Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is a condition caused by chronic cannabis use that manifests as severe nausea, abdominal pain, and frequent vomiting. If left untreated, patients can develop other related conditions, including severe dehydration. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) appears to be a relatively rare condition, affecting only those who consume high doses of cannabis frequently over a long period.

Although much is still unknown about this syndrome, researchers currently believe that the only truly effective treatment is to stop consuming cannabis.

Overview: Cannabis Use and Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

As with many questions Research on CHS is limited, though potentially linked to cannabis use. To further complicate matters, research on CHS is particularly scarce because the condition was first described in 2004, less than twenty years ago.

However, current research suggests that SHC results from overstimulation of certain parts of the endocannabinoid system, particularly endocannabinoid receptors located in the gut. This level of overstimulation is the result of consumption Cannabis chronicle.

Cannabis produces its effects when the THC and the other cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant bind to and interact with endocannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. Generally, when cannabinoids bind to these receptors, they produce the sensation of being high, as well as feelings related to mood regulation, sleep, appetite, etc. For many people, the interaction between cannabinoids and brain receptors also helps to relieve feelings of nausea.

At the same time, cannabinoids from cannabis bind to and interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in the gut. This can sometimes produce very different effects than what happens in your brain. Nausea is a good example of this. Researchers believe that if cannabinoid activity in the consumer brain Cannabis can reduce nausea, the cannabinoid activity in the consumer's gut can actually create nausea.

If people consume high doses of cannabis for a long period, they may start to experience regular and severe episodes of nausea and vomiting, as well as abdominal pain. Infrequent or short-term cannabis use generally does not trigger CHS. Prolonged or intense stimulation of the endocannabinoid system (through the daily consumption cannabis and/or high-potency products) is much more likely to trigger CHS.

There are very few epidemiological studies concerning the prevalence of SHC.

But some current research suggests that more potent, high-THC strains may contribute to an increase in cannabis-related conditions in heavy cannabis users. These conditions include Cannabis use disorder and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome symptoms

Recent discussions about the SHC, especially in pop culture, often focus on a symptom called «scromiting." This portmanteau—a blend of screaming and vomiting—first appeared in 2017 in an article about PANS/PANDAS published in the British tabloid Metro, which claimed that people with PANS/PANDAS often exhibit an unusual combination of simultaneous screaming and vomiting

It's unknown whether this symptom is widespread or not, but given that severe nausea and vomiting are the main symptoms of HG, crying while vomiting could theoretically be something some HG patients experience. It's also likely that this story is sensationalizing a very rare symptom rather than describing a common symptom.

According to reliable medical research, the main symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome are the following:

• Severe nausea
• Cyclic vomiting and abdominal pain

Vomiting is by far the most dangerous symptom of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. While vomiting related to CHS is often similar to morning sickness, the vomiting episodes associated with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome can also be much more severe, occurring up to 20 times a day. Such severe vomiting often leads to dehydration, electrolyte loss, weight loss, and a general sense of disorientation, all of which can open the door to other more serious health complications.

For many patients with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS), these intense episodes of nausea and vomiting are separated by asymptomatic periods, which can last for months before the symptoms return.

Healthcare professionals recognize that SHC occurs in three main stages.

The prodromal phase. This is the initial stage of CHS. Many cannabis consumers begin to experience abdominal pain and morning nausea. Abundant vomiting typically does not occur at this stage, but patients may start to fear nausea and vomiting. In general, patients can still eat normally during this phase. The prodromal phase can last for months, or even years, before progressing to the second phase.

Hyperemetic phase. The hyperemetic phase is primarily characterized by continuous nausea and significant vomiting. Abdominal pain, present in most cases, persists. Vomiting can be severe enough to require medical intervention, especially if the patient is severely dehydrated and experiencing extreme electrolyte loss. Due to nausea and vomiting, patients in the hyperemetic phase often decrease their food intake, which can lead to weight loss and further dehydration. Stopping cannabis use is the only proven way to end the hyperemetic phase. Since hot showers or baths provide short-term relief from some of these symptoms, this phase is also sometimes marked by compulsive bathing or showering.

Recovery phase. Patients usually see their symptoms subside and their appetite return within 24 to 48 hours after stopping cannabis use. Symptoms typically return if patients resume cannabis use. Certain triggers, such as stress, infections, or menstrual periods, can also bring users from the recovery phase back to the prodromal phase.
Treatment of HSC

Outside of the’Total cessation of cannabis consumption, There is no consistent or proven treatment for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

When it comes to treating nausea caused by HCS, over-the-counter or prescription anti-nausea medications are generally not helpful.

However, many people manage to relieve their nausea by taking hot showers or baths or by applying a topical cream to capsaicin. Hot baths can become compulsive for patients with SHC. About 60% of people with SHC find relief from hot showers or baths.

In some case studies, benzodiazepines, particularly lorazepam and alprazolam, have also been found to alleviate some of the symptoms experienced by CFS patients. Other treatments include aggressive intravenous rehydration and the use of proton pump inhibitors, which reduce stomach acid production.

However, stopping cannabis use is the only proven long-term treatment for this condition.

If a cannabis user experiences severe vomiting, they may require hospitalization to treat dehydration or stomach inflammation. Electrolyte depletion can lead to serious complications such as seizures, kidney failure, shock, and brain swelling, each of which requires hospitalization. medical treatment additional. The SHC can therefore become a factor contributing to death due to these other complications.

Long-term heavy cannabis users who experience episodes of severe and frequent vomiting for a day or more should immediately stop using cannabis and contact their healthcare provider or seek emergency care for treatment.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Diagnosis

Although it is often misdiagnosed, if symptoms of CHS are present and no other underlying cause is responsible for persistent nausea and vomiting, you can seek a diagnosis. To establish an accurate diagnosis, doctors may examine the frequency and amount of cannabis you consume. Be honest with your doctor about your cannabis use. Daily cannabis use and/or high THC doses are more likely to cause CHS, but a physical examination is often necessary to rule out other causes.

Currently, the only foolproof method doctors can use to distinguish CHS from other potential illnesses is to observe how the patient's symptoms react to heat or topical capsaicin. Other tests may be performed to rule out other causes of vomiting, such as pregnancy, as CHS symptoms can mimic morning sickness; a blood test to check for anemia or infection; drug screening; and a urinalysis. Expensive and non-diagnostic imaging scans for CHS-related symptoms are usually unnecessary, but in some cases, an abdominal CT scan or X-rays may be ordered to determine if there is a serious problem, such as a blockage that might require surgery.

Nearly 85% of doctors receive no training on the endocannabinoid system or on the effects cannabis can have on the brain and body. Because doctors have limited awareness of CHS, it can be difficult for a healthcare provider to diagnose and treat this condition. Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) causes similar symptoms, making it somewhat more difficult to reach a definitive diagnosis.

Diagnostic criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [CFS]

The following criteria can contribute to an accurate diagnosis of CHS and symptom management, and reduce the need for unnecessary and costly medical tests. To be diagnosed with CHS, a patient must be a chronic cannabis consumer who:

• Knows a cyclic vomiting syndrome characterized by episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, with cycles lasting an average of three days.
• Lost more than 5 kilos
• Feels relatively well between cyclic episodes and eats normally
• Does not respond to conventional antiemetic (anti-nausea) or analgesic (pain-relieving) treatments, but symptoms are relieved after hot baths or showers or a topical capsaicin cream
• No apparent organic cause for the symptoms
• No longer feeling the symptoms of CHS after stopping cannabis consumption

Cannabis consumers experiencing persistent nausea and vomiting should consider getting diagnosed for CHS. In the meantime, hot showers or baths can provide short-term relief.

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome prevention

We don't don't know exactly why some people show symptoms of CHS and others don't. Some people may be predisposed to CHS – the typical antiemetic effects of THC being counterbalanced by its pro-emetic effect in the gut – while the accumulation of THC in the Long-term cannabis users may increase the risk Of HCS. Many regular, long-term, and heavy cannabis consumers do not report symptoms of HCS. However, the development of HCS can take years.

It has been shown that most cases of CHS occur in people who use cannabis about 20 days a month, and about 75% of these patients have been using cannabis regularly for more than a year. More than 70% of the people suffering You are men.

The best way to prevent CHS is to consume cannabis in moderation. High doses, frequent use, and products with high THC content are the main risk factors for developing SHC.

Frequently asked questions

Is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome dangerous?

SHC can become dangerous if the patient does not stop consuming cannabis and if the trouble is not treated. More specifically, CHS becomes dangerous when the primary symptoms of the condition—abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting—become so severe that the patient ends up severely dehydrated. When this happens, the patient can suffer from a type of kidney failure increasingly known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome acute kidney injury, and this condition can quickly lead to much more serious health complications, including, in the most extreme cases, death. This is why it is so important to contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing symptoms of CHS, and to stop using cannabis immediately.

Is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome permanent?

CHS is not permanent. It is the result of long-term cannabis consumption, and the symptoms generally disappear when the patients stop to consume cannabis. But they can also reappear if the patient resumes regular cannabis use.

How long does it take to recover from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?

Symptoms of CHS usually start to subside fairly quickly during the recovery phase, typically a day or two after stopping cannabis use. To fully recover from CHS, a patient will need to stop using cannabis completely – this is the only proven permanent treatment for CHS. Assuming they do not resume cannabis use, CHS patients can expect a relatively quick and permanent recovery.

Can CBD cause Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?

Limited research on CHS seems to suggest that CBD, as well as THC and many other cannabinoids, may indeed contribute to this disorder in long-term cannabis users. In fact, any type of cannabinoid use over a prolonged period can contribute to the onset of CHS.

According to a 2018 article published in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, «the cannabinoid CBD, at high doses, increases symptoms of stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.» Another study, published in 2011, states that «the pro-emetic properties of CBD ( at higher doses) and CBG may play a role in the severe nausea and vomiting observed in patients with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

Can you still smoke with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?

No, not cannabis. In fact, research shows that when people with CHS start smoking cannabis again, they generally start experiencing symptoms again, including stomach pain and cyclic nausea and vomiting. Once you have CHS, the only proven way to treat it and prevent it from returning is to stop consuming cannabis.

How long does it take to develop the SHC?

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is the result of chronic cannabis use. And according to medical experts, people who develop this disorder typically start experiencing symptoms after one to five years of frequent, regular, and heavy cannabis use. If you are a chronic cannabis user and are experiencing symptoms, it may be time to seek a diagnosis.