Nausea

At this RECOVERY HUB you will find guidance on your road to recovery.

Use this resource as a quick guide to common questions, concerns, and expectations for your early recovery after surgery.

Remember, Dr. Deans' team is a call away for further guidance and clarification.

Nausea is common after anesthesia and can also be triggered by opioid pain medicines, constipation, dehydration, or taking medication on an empty stomach.

Most cases improve with simple steps and the anti-nausea medicine provided at discharge.

Start Here

Take small, frequent sips of water or an electrolyte drink rather than drinking a large amount at once.
Eat small bland meals: crackers, toast, soup, rice, bananas, or another food you tolerate.
Take medications with a small amount of food unless you were told otherwise.
Get up and walk briefly several times during the day.
Reduce opioid use as pain allows; scheduled Tylenol and anti-inflammatory medication may reduce the amount of opioid you need.
Chewing gum may help stimulate normal bowel function.
Natural remedies such as ginger or the scent of rubbing alcohol may help nausea.

Think About Constipation

Nausea and constipation often occur together.Ask yourself: Are you passing gas? Have you had a bowel movement? Is your abdomen becoming painful or distended?

If you are not passing gas or have a painful abdomen, that is a reason to call your surgical team immediately for further guidance.

Your Nausea Medicine

There are several commonly prescribed nausea rescue medications. Use only according to your discharge instructions.

Call / Seek Help

Seek urgent medical evaluation for uncontrolled vomiting, severe or increasing abdominal pain, significant abdominal distention, or green/brown/black vomit. Contact us if you cannot keep fluids or medications down.

Your own discharge instructions and medication list always take priority. This guide is educational and does not replace individualized medical advice.

Institutional Clarification

This website is operated independently and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of Nebraska Medicine or the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Any clinical work performed in partnership with those institutions is conducted separately under institutional policies, governance, and privacy practices.