Welcome to NauseaAndVomiting.co.uk

Nausea and Vomiting

We have all experienced the unpleasant sensation of nausea and vomiting, which can be very distressing and debilitating. In the medical setting nausea and vomiting can occur after surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, the use of opioid analgesics and in early pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting in these circumstances can have serious consequences as well as being distressing for patients. For example post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is common and can result in extended hospital stays, increased bleeding and even the reopening of surgical wounds as a result of the involuntary muscular contractions associated with vomiting. Anticipation and anxiety about the possibility of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy can be one of the reasons for patients refusing potentially life-saving treatment. Nausea and vomiting can have a cost to the healthcare system as a result of unplanned admissions or delayed discharge, bed blocking, additional nursing care and attention, as well as a burden for the economy as a whole due to a delayed return to work.

This resource aims to provide referenced background information on the different types of nausea and vomiting to enable health care professionals to understand the causes, consequences and treatment options for the different types of nausea and vomiting. This information is summarised in presentation slides that can be used for teaching purposes.

Audit guidelines have been prepared to enable users to assess current treatment regimes for nausea and vomiting and if necessary to introduce new practices, procedures or protocols.

Some of the UK's leading hospitals have agreed that we can provide copies of their protocols, prescribing guidelines and patient-information leaflets for use by other healthcare professionals.

We would like to thank the medical, nursing and pharmacy personnel who have contributed to the development of this resource.

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Disclaimer: The material included in this resource has been prepared with due care and skill. However Amdipharm cannot accept any liability whatsoever for any inaccuracies or omissions or for any losses or damage that anyone may suffer as a result of relying on this information. The pharmaceutical products referred to may be subject to different regulatory requirements depending on the country of use; always consult your local prescribing information.

This information is designed for the medical professions only. Amdipharm will endeavour to keep the information up to date. However users should recognise that the information may become out of date. Before any prescribing decision is made healthcare professionals should refer to up to date prescribing information for the product concerned. Consumers should rely on the advice of a qualified healthcare professional

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