A diagnosis of CHS is confirmed when all symptoms resolve for a long period of time (∼12 months) with the cessation of marijuana 15. Patients who stop using marijuana but continue to experience cyclic vomiting are more likely to have CVS. It is typical that CHS symptoms resolve in a matter of days once marijuana is stopped; in some case reports, symptoms resolved in hours.
ECS and CHS
Cannabis is the most commonly abused drug in the United States (US). However, our understanding chs symptoms and signs of its effects has unfolded significantly over the last 3 decades. The extract of the plant cannabis sativa has been reported to be used for decades in the control of pain and cramps, according to the Chinese literature 1. Recognition of the function of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was a breakthrough in explaining the effects of cannabis on different organs, at least in part 2. The primary psychoactive component of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Is acupuncture/acupressure really effective for treating CHS?
- It’s common for people to lose weight during the hyperemetic phase.
- Let your doctor know how much marijuana you use and how often you use it.
- That’s one of the hallmark behaviors seen in this condition—spending extended periods in a hot shower just to keep the vomiting at bay.
- This variance suggests that a range of elements, including individual biology, metabolism, and genetics, can play a role.
CHS is actually a gastrointestinal issue and so the best place to seek a diagnosis or treatment for it would be seeking care at a gastroenterologist’s office. Gastroenterologists, or GI doctors, are specialists in the gastrointestinal tract. This means that they know the ins and outs of everything from the esophagus to the far end of the system. They know the processes in which food goes in and waste goes out. Most GI doctors will only accept patients after they have had a recommendation by a primary care physician. We suggest that you address concerns with your family doctor and ask them to give you a referral to a local gastroenterologist to address your symptoms if you think you may have CHS.
Recovery Stage
- People who have CHS experience repeated and severe bouts of nausea, vomiting, dehydration and stomach pain.
- You can also sustain life-threatening injuries if you hit your head during a seizure.
- You’ll likely undergo a physical exam, and your doctor might ask questions like how often you use cannabis, how long you’ve been using, and what patterns you notice about your nausea.
- This word is a combination of “screaming” and “vomiting.” You’re in so much pain that you’re screaming while you’re vomiting.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) Alcoholics Anonymous is a paradoxical condition in which a long-term cannabis user suffers an episode of intractable vomiting that may last days separated by longer asymptomatic periods of weeks or months. Cannabinoids are often utilized for their antiemetic properties, so CHS can be a puzzling condition, and the diagnosis of CHS may be disputed by patients. Unlike other cyclic vomiting syndromes, CHS can be relieved by hot showers or topical capsaicin. Abstinence from cannabinoids causes CHS to resolve, sometimes in a matter of days or hours.
Clinical Considerations
Cleveland Clinic’s primary care providers offer lifelong medical care. From sinus infections and high blood pressure to preventive screening, we’re here for you. The only known treatment to permanently get rid of CHS is to stop cannabis use completely. You may have symptoms and side effects of CHS for a few weeks after quitting cannabis. Hot baths and showers tend to help reduce or curb the symptoms.
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People with CHS often find temporary relief from these symptoms by taking hot baths and showers. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is linked to long-term, frequent cannabis use, causing nausea, vomiting, and pain, often leading to hospital visits. A survey of 1,052 individuals with CHS found 85% had emergency department visits, and 44% were hospitalized.
This stage typically lasts about 24 to 48 hours but can extend longer, especially if you continue using marijuana. Long-term marijuana use, typically spanning 10 to 12 years or more, is the biggest risk factor for developing CHS. This variance suggests that a range of elements, including individual biology, metabolism, and genetics, can play a role.