Complementary and Alternative Medicine - Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Complementary and alternative therapies encompass a broad range of therapeutic modalities that can be integrated into Western medicine. CAM offers patients treatment options, especially when dealing with chronic illness and symptom alleviation. As physicians, the more comfortable and informed we are about CAM, the more effectively we can help our patients make safe and intelligent decisions. As anesthesiologists, we should ask about CAM use during our standard history taking, especially the use of herbs. Knowledge of CAM use can help prevent potential hazards during surgery and can assist with the management of pain, anxiety, and nausea and vomiting.

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