However, these changes also come with substantial risks regarding its adverse effects, such as paradoxical hyperemesis, intoxication and behavioral changes (anxiety, panic attacks, and psychoactive changes). Approximately 9% of individuals who use cannabis report dependence at some point in their use 5. Cannabis can paradoxically act as an antiemetic during acute ingestion at low doses, whereas persistent high-dose ingestion could result in vomiting, a behavior similar to cyclical vomiting 6. It is unclear whether the increased legalization of cannabis has also contributed to these findings, but this certainly could be a possibility. Hence, raising the awareness of CHS with an understanding of its pathophysiology and the potential role of therapeutic agents is paramount.
The Impact of CHS
Vomiting too much can also cause an electrolyte imbalance in your body, another potentially dangerous condition. It’s important that you continue to drink plenty of fluids in order to replenish what was lost during the hyperemetic phase. It is also unknown whether smoking, vaping or consuming cannabis can increase your chances of developing CHS. However, the number of regular users has skyrocketed in recent years. By Anna GiorgiGiorgi is a freelance writer with more than 25 years of experience writing health and wellness-related content. Treatment that helps prevent dehydration and loss of electrolytes can help reduce your risk of many of these problems.
History and Physical
- The best and only way to prevent or reduce your risk for CHS is to avoid or quit marijuana use.
- Literature published between January 2004 and September 2012 was searched in PubMed using the terms “cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome” and “cannabis hyperemesis syndrome”.
- Hot showers have emerged as an intriguing phenomenon in assuaging the symptoms of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), offering a peculiar yet effective avenue for relief.
- Diagrammatic representation of the pathophysiology of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).4 5 TRPV1, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1.
However, with the underlying condition left untreated, CHS can cause serious medical issues. Individuals who have used cannabis at least weekly since adolescence seem most at risk. Symptoms of CHS don’t appear for many months or even years after protracted heavy cannabis use. Only about 32 out of 100,000 patients who come to the emergency room for nausea treatment are diagnosed with CHS.3 However, anyone using cannabis should be aware of the signs. Cessation of cannabinoid use will lead to complete resolution of symptoms.
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In refractory CHS cases, experimental therapies such as benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and dopaminergic agents like haloperidol have been explored. While the evidence supporting their efficacy is limited, these options could be considered in specific scenarios where conventional treatments prove inadequate. Despite the scarcity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on optimal treatment approaches for CHS, a holistic care plan can significantly enhance how long does it take to recover from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome patient outcomes and well-being. Moreover, 12-step recovery programs can help in providing a safe space to share experiences, find encouragement, and take ownership of the path to one’s recovery. They help in providing the ongoing support and care needed to aid recovery and maintain long-term sobriety.
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Four years prior to his presentation to us, he had been hospitalized with second degree burns on his back because of the showers. In the last few years, he had undergone a massive workup from five previous gastroenterologists, and had visited the emergency room more than 20 times. He denied tobacco, alcohol or illegal drug use, with the exception of regular marijuana use for the past 20 years, consuming at least 4-8 marijuana doses (“joints”) per day. He had no specific family history, except for Crohn’s disease drug addiction treatment in a cousin. The hallmark of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is cyclical episodes of intense nausea and vomiting, often accompanied by severe abdominal discomfort. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for other conditions like cyclic vomiting syndrome, which makes accurate diagnosis a challenge 5.
CHS and its Impact on Daily Life
The same is true if you had developed a psychological dependence on cannabis – you may experience cravings and other withdrawal symptoms for a few weeks, but with time and the right support these should fade over time. It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol and other substances while you recover from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. In severe cases in which you have been vomiting frequently and developed dehydration, you may need to spend some time in the hospital. It is possible to treat cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, both at home and in a hospital setting.
They can begin as mild problems that make you feel sick in the morning. Acupuncture/acupressure has been used to treat nausea symptoms successfully. However, there have been no specific studies for this alternative practice in treating CHS. If not adequately managed, CHS can lead to severe complications like dehydration, brain swelling, esophageal tears (Mallory Weiss tear), electrolyte imbalances, kidney failure, and, in severe cases, death. The good news is the recovery process from CHS begins when cannabis use ceases, but it’s not an overnight cure.
Upon further questioning, he reported the hot showers significantly helped the nausea and abdominal pain. He had learned this behavior after experiencing previous episodes of self-limited nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In women, a pregnancy test is necessary to https://ecosoberhouse.com/ assess for any pregnancies, especially ectopic pregnancies.
How to Treat CHS
A 44-year-old man with a history of marijuana use presented with chronic abdominal pain complicated by attacks of uncontrolled vomiting for 16 years. Abstinence led to a dramatic improvement within one week, with complete resolution of all symptoms and compulsive hot showering behaviors. Since then, he has gained 20 kg, completed a college degree, found employment, gotten married and started a family. We have had 9 years of follow-up so far, and he is still doing well without recurrence of symptoms. He speaks at educational events on the impact of marijuana on his life.