If not adequately managed, CHS can lead to serious complications like dehydration, brain swelling, esophageal tears (Mallory Weiss tear) electrolyte imbalances, kidney failure, and in severe cases, death. If cannabis use is resumed, symptoms of CHS can return, often heralding a return of the hyperemesis many weeks or months later. Symptoms become more severe and debilitating in this hyper (excessive) emetic (vomiting) phase. Medical intervention now can prevent more severe complications. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Federal Practitioner, Frontline Medical Communications Inc., the U.S. This article may discuss unlabeled or investigational use of certain drugs.
Management and Treatment
Symptoms will usually improve after 1 or 2 days, as long as you don’t use cannabis during this time. Experts believe only a fraction of habitual cannabis users develop CHS. But because CHS is a somewhat newly discovered condition that was first diagnosed in 2004, some people may be underdiagnosed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome or misdiagnosed. The symptoms typically last a few weeks, though the throwing up should ease up in a day or two. They may also prescribe antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol (Haldol) or olanzapine (Zyprexa) to help you calm down as you switch to the recovery phase.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of CHS?
Endocannabinoid receptors are especially concentrated in the brain and digestive system. It’s why cannabis is an effective treatment for nausea and low appetite (and also why you sometimes get the munchies after consuming cannabis). CHS is a condition caused by chronic and repeated cannabis use that leads to severe nausea and vomiting. Through a holistic and individualized treatment regimen, healthcare providers can navigate the challenges of CHS, offering hope and relief to those affected by this puzzling condition. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a rare condition that causes frequent and repeated vomiting as a result of prolonged cannabis use. The only known effective treatment is to stop using cannabis.
Hyperemesis induced by cannabis
They also decided to send a suppository to the pharmacy for the vomiting. The doctor decided that Brian needed to be at a children’s hospital to receive specialized care. They agreed with the CHS diagnosis and ordered monitoring of his levels, which improved with the rehydration again. However, the gastroenterologist agreed with the CHS diagnosis and ordered more blood work. In the meantime, Brian began using marijuana again, and for several weeks, he did not have any symptoms at all.
- For example, the drug affects the receptors in the esophageal sphincter, the tight band of muscle that opens and closes to let food go from your throat to your stomach.
- This mechanism implies that the analgesic and sensory effects of TRPV1 receptor activation might contribute to the relief experienced during hot showers for CHS patients.
- The doctor was clueless as to what to do to help Brian quit smoking and suggested that we could try a stress center.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy can also help.
- When recovering from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, it’s wise to avoid anything that could potentially exacerbate symptoms or slow recovery.
CHS is a rare condition that affects some habitual cannabis users. It causes severe bouts of vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Certain therapies, such as taking hot showers or using prescription medications, may help relieve symptoms. People with CHS also tend to have a strong urge to take very hot showers or baths. That’s because hot water can help ease cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome symptoms like nausea.
What causes cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (scromiting)?
Treatment options for marijuana substance abuse include behavioral therapy at group and individual levels, peer recovery support, and more. One study found up to 6% of people who went to the emergency room for cyclical vomiting had CHS. If you have CHS and don’t stop using, your symptoms like nausea and vomiting are likely to come back. If you have symptoms, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask for your detailed medical history.
“Most reports suggest that CHS symptoms resolve within 1 to 2 weeks after stopping cannabis,” Kayser says. “A lot of times qualitative information like where they procured the marijuana, the strain, the frequency of their use isn’t even in the record,” she explains. “It’s really hard to get accurate numbers unless you do a randomized controlled trial or a study where you follow people over time,” she says. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Researchers are continuing to examine potential treatment options for CHS.
Care options
The only treatment that can get rid of CHS symptoms for good is to stop using cannabis completely. But there are some other treatments that may help manage your symptoms and make you feel better. As long as you don’t use marijuana, your symptoms shouldn’t return.
Cannabis Cessation
Let your doctor know how much marijuana you use and how often you use it. Not everyone with the condition seeks medical help or tells their provider that they use marijuana. It’s a condition that can lead to serious health complications if you don’t get treatment for it. Daily, long-term users who take in a lot of marijuana have the highest risk of developing CHS. Doctors don’t yet know if casual users can develop problems. It’s common for people to lose weight during the hyperemetic phase.
Can You Treat CHS Symptoms at Home?
The word “cannabinoid” refers to compounds uniquely found in cannabis, and “hyperemesis” means severe vomiting. If you are experiencing severe vomiting or other concerning symptoms, contact your health care provider. As many other health problems could lead to repeated vomiting, it’s important to discuss your complete health history, including your cannabis use, with any provider you see for your symptoms. However, health professionals warn that given the recurrent nature of CHS, even moderate cannabis use may trigger a relapse, leading to the return of debilitating symptoms.