GI Symptoms in Palliative Care

Managing the common palliative symptoms of nausea, vomiting and constipation can make a world of difference to the quality of life of our patients. This week, Lisa and Sara are joined again by Drs Liam Hosie and Anna Murray to continue their discussion about managing palliative patients in general practice. 

We cover important features in a history that point to the cause of symptoms for nausea/vomiting and constipation. The causes of nausea and vomiting are then broken down to four categories and we consider what medications might work best for these. We go on to discuss managing constipation and point to a helpful guide for further reference.

Useful resources: 

• Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group, Palliative Care Pain and Symptom Control for Adults (Fifth Edition, Nov 2019): http://gmmmg.nhs.uk/docs/guidance/GMMMG-Palliative-Care-Pain-and-Symptom-Control-Guidelines-for-Adults-v1-1.pdf#search=%22nausea%22

• NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries, Palliative Care - Nausea and Vomiting: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/palliative-care-nausea-vomiting/

• NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries, Palliative Care - Constipation: 
  https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/palliative-care-constipation/

• Wigan & Leigh Hospice Symptom Management Guidelines for the Care of Adults in the Last Hours or Days of Life (Community Version 3): https://d2abk28tx5gxte.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/2018/11/26165005/symptom_management_guidance_end_of_life_adults_community_v3.pdf

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This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Wigan CCG. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

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