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. It’s important to be honest about your marijuana use if you have symptoms of CHS. Without knowing this background, providers often misdiagnose CHS as other conditions, like cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS).
- People struggling with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome may have a severe marijuana use disorder.
- THC is what’s responsible for the “high” most people feel when they use marijuana.
- You will stop vomiting, your appetite will come back and you will begin to feel better.
- 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.
- In extreme cases, it may cause life-threatening complications like seizures or cardiac arrhythmias.
Stages of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome
These are known as the prodromal phase, the hyperemetic phase and the recovery phase. However, many people may attempt to treat themselves at home instead of seeking medical treatment. It is not known exactly what causes cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and why only certain people seem to develop it. Importantly, the patient must be a (usually frequent) cannabis user during this time for the CHS diagnosis to fit.
Strange Cannabis Syndrome
To prevent CHS, users should moderate cannabis use and avoid high-potency products. Public health campaigns can raise awareness about CHS early signs of chs among cannabis users, especially in legalized regions. Yes, many CHS sufferers report symptoms like mild nausea and reduced appetite being more pronounced in the morning. Untreated CHS can lead to severe dehydration, kidney damage, and dangerous electrolyte imbalances.
What Are the First Symptoms of CHS?
But when the vomiting is prolonged and frequent, such Oxford House as in the case of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, it can lead to potentially dangerous complications. It’s common for sufferers in the prodromal phase to continue using cannabis in an attempt to ease the symptoms of nausea. Anyone who uses cannabis regularly can develop cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, but it is predominantly found in adults who have been using cannabis at least once a week since their teenage years. One study found that up to 6% of people who attend A&E due to vomiting are suffering from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is rare, affecting only a small number of chronic cannabis users. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a condition that can develop if you use cannabis regularly for a long period of time.
- If you are experiencing these symptoms and have been using cannabis regularly for a long period of time, you may have developed CHS.
- To help you transition to the recovery phase, you can try a few home remedies such as regular hot baths.
- While vomiting is extremely unpleasant, as a one-off it doesn’t usually cause any major complications.
- Imaging is up to the discretion of the clinician, depending on various specific factors of history or physical exam, which may be concerning for surgical processes.
- Yes, addiction treatment can significantly help those with CHS.
- While marijuana seems to bring on nausea in the stomach, in the brain it usually has opposite effect.
The only clear and universally effective way to get rid of CHS symptoms is to entirely stop cannabis. What has never been clear was why only some heavy users of cannabis seem to be affected. Additionally researchers have pointed to overstimulation of CB1 or TRPV1 receptors – leading the body to reduce the amount of those receptors – as a possible mechanism for CHS. While these are all just theories, they make sense with what we know about cannabis and its impact on the human body. When first discovered in 2004, the condition was considered rare. But over the next decade, more cases of CHS started to show up in the medical literature.
These facilities can assist you in overcoming substance abuse and living a healthy, drug-free life. The most effective way to prevent cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is to reduce or avoid marijuana use. However, this may be difficult for individuals with a marijuana addiction. People addicted to cannabis compulsively seek the drug despite the consequences. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience severe vomiting, dehydration or weight loss caused by marijuana use.
What are the risk factors for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
- The best and only way to prevent or reduce your risk for CHS is to avoid or quit marijuana use.
- Dental erosion from stomach acid can also be seen, particularly when the attacks are frequent.
- For instance, one case study describes a patient who was diagnosed with CHS when she actually has a rare and often deadly condition called superior mesenteric artery syndrome.
- Without professional help, CHS can cause a continuous cycle of symptoms and complications, including nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, and damage to vital organs.
- Talk to your healthcare provider or an addiction counselor.
One study found that one-third of people who use cannabis at least 20 days per month showed symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. It is important to seek medical treatment if you suspect you are suffering from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, as it can have serious health consequences if not properly treated. As a result, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is becoming more common and many people are seeking medical treatment for this condition.