PONV: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Manage It
When you or someone you care about has surgery, the last thing you want is to feel sick afterward. That’s where PONV, postoperative nausea and vomiting—a frequent and unpleasant reaction after anesthesia. Also known as postoperative nausea and vomiting, it affects up to 30% of patients, and as high as 80% in those with multiple risk factors. It’s not just uncomfortable—it can delay discharge, increase hospital costs, and even cause serious complications like wound splitting or aspiration. PONV isn’t something you just have to live with. It’s predictable, preventable, and treatable.
What makes someone more likely to get PONV? It’s not random. Women, nonsmokers, people with a history of motion sickness or past PONV, and those getting certain types of anesthesia—especially volatile gases like sevoflurane—are at higher risk. Surgeries like gallbladder removal, ear-nose-throat procedures, and eye surgery carry more risk than others. And it’s not just about the drugs. Genetics play a role too. Some people’s bodies process anesthetic drugs slower, making nausea more likely. This is why doctors now ask about your past reactions to surgery, not just your current health.
Managing PONV isn’t one-size-fits-all. It starts with prevention. Doctors use a mix of non-drug and drug strategies: avoiding certain anesthetics, giving anti-nausea meds before or during surgery, using regional blocks instead of general anesthesia when possible, and keeping patients hydrated. Common antiemetics include ondansetron, dexamethasone, and droperidol—each with different pros and cons. Some hospitals now use risk scores to decide who needs stronger prevention. And if nausea hits anyway, there are fast-acting options to stop it before it gets worse.
You’ll find real-world advice in the posts below. Some cover how specific drugs interact with anesthesia, like why certain painkillers or acid reducers can make PONV worse. Others show how newer anti-nausea treatments compare to old standards. You’ll also see how patient history, surgical type, and even diet before surgery can shift your risk. This isn’t theory—it’s what’s happening in clinics and recovery rooms right now. Whether you’re a patient preparing for surgery, a caregiver helping someone recover, or a health professional looking for practical updates, the information here is grounded in what works.