Medicine
Volume 36, Issue 2 , Pages 75-77, February 2008

Nausea and vomiting

Paul W Keeley MBChB MRCGP is a Consultant in Palliative Medicine at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK. Competing interests: none declared

Abstract 

Nausea and vomiting are common problems in palliative care, occurring in 40–70% of patients with advanced incurable disease. They may be disease- or treatment-related, and require a holistic approach to their management. Careful assessment of the problem, with a focused history and a limited range of key investigations, is essential to effective management. Knowledge of the likely receptors involved in this complex phenomenon is vital to ensure the proper pharmacological measures are employed. Although many of the drugs used have been available for many years, newer agents have improved the management of some types of nausea and vomiting (especially surgery-, chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-related emesis). Non-pharmacological measures, including stenting, laser and venting gastrostomy, can be considered in selected patients.

Keywords: emesis, nausea, palliative care, vomiting

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PII: S1357-3039(07)00394-5

doi:10.1016/j.mpmed.2007.11.005

Medicine
Volume 36, Issue 2 , Pages 75-77, February 2008

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