Introduction for Thesis: Nitrous Oxide, Nausea, and Vomiting

There are several proposed mechanisms by which nitrous oxide may cause post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Some of these mechanisms include bowel distention and decreased gastrointestinal function, changes in middle ear pressure, and increase in sympathetic nervous system stimulation, and activation of opioid receptors in the brain.
Bowel distention may contribute to nausea and vomiting in two ways.
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