Articles: nausea.
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American family physician · May 2024
ReviewEvaluation and Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting in Adults.
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can reduce quality of life and indicate life-threatening illness. Acute nausea and vomiting last up to 7 days. In the absence of alarm symptoms, they are typically treated symptomatically and without an extensive evaluation. ⋯ When a specific etiology is not identified, a serotonin antagonist or dopamine antagonist can be used. However, medications may also target the suspected cause of symptoms and the neurotransmitters involved in central and peripheral pathways of nausea and vomiting. Pharmacologic therapy should be used for the shortest time necessary to control symptoms.
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Nausea and vomiting are distressing symptoms experienced by many patients receiving palliative care for serious illness. Common pharmacologic management strategies include 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, antipsychotics, antihistamines, and antimuscarinic agents; however, these agents incur risks of adverse effects. ⋯ To avoid the dangers of pharmacologic treatment of nausea and vomiting, previous studies in emergency medicine and postoperative settings suggest that inhaled isopropyl alcohol is an inexpensive, safe, and effective nonpharmacologic intervention. This case report highlights the successful use of inhaled isopropyl alcohol for managing nausea and vomiting in a patient with heart failure receiving palliative care.