Quick Answer:

Nausea after anesthesia is common and occurs because anesthesia medications affect the brain, stomach, and inner ear. It is usually temporary and treatable.

Why It Happens

Nausea after surgery (called postoperative nausea and vomiting, or PONV) happens due to:

• Brain stimulation from anesthetic drugs (activates the brain’s vomiting trigger zone)
• Slowed stomach emptying
• Inner ear imbalance (similar to motion sickness)
• Opioid pain medications after surgery

Who Is at Higher Risk?

You may be more likely to feel nauseous if you:

• Are female
• Have a history of motion sickness
• Have had nausea after anesthesia before
• Are a non-smoker
• Receive opioid medications
• Are younger than 50
• Receive general anesthesia gas or nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• Have a surgery that lasts longer than one hour
• Have certain types of surgery, such as abdominal, gynecologic, or ear surgery

How Long Does it Last?

• Usually starts within hours after surgery
• Improves within 24 hours
• Can sometimes last up to 3 days

How It’s Treated

• Anti-nausea medications (zofran, a low-dose steroid, etc.)
• IV fluids, drinking plenty of fluids at home
• Minimizing opioid use and taking medicines like tylenol instead
• Eating light foods when able

When to Call Your Doctor

• Persistent vomiting
• Unable to keep fluids down
• Signs of dehydration (extreme thirst, dark urine, headache, dizziness)

Bottom Line

Nausea after anesthesia is common, temporary, and treatable. If you’ve had it before, let your anesthesia provider know – we’re here to help and can significantly lower your risk.