If you’ve been a heavy user for years, CHS can come out of nowhere and make life miserable. The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The funder was not involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, the writing of this article, or the decision to submit it for publication. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) has an unusual profile as a neutral antagonist of CB1 at low doses, but an agonist at much higher doses (Thomas et al., 2005). The material provided on Leafly is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Leafly is not engaged in rendering medical service or advice and the information provided is not a substitute for a professional medical opinion.
- It is important to assess for electrolyte disturbance and acute kidney injury.
- It’s a serious medical problem that can cause major health issues if you leave it untreated.
- The GI system is rich in cannabinoid receptors, which play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including nausea and vomiting.
- People with CHS often find temporary relief from these symptoms by taking hot baths and showers.
- Other preventive measures include spreading awareness about CHS among regular cannabis users and healthcare providers.
Community Health Needs Assessment
While both CHS and Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) cause severe vomiting, their causes differ. Hyperemesis cannabis syndrome is directly linked to long-term cannabis use, while CVS is not related to cannabis. People with CVS may have other triggers like migraines or stress, but their symptoms do not improve by stopping cannabis use, unlike those with CHS.
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It’s also important to keep in mind that numerous toxicities, infections, and non-penetrating injuries can produce similar symptoms. Certain neurological conditions like a stroke in the brain area controlling nausea might result in these symptoms too, sometimes worsened by abdominal pain from forceful vomiting. Lastly, psychological factors can also cause vomiting syndromes and various other symptoms, which should be carefully evaluated by the doctor. Serotonin antagonists, like ondansetron, dolasetron, and granisetron, are drugs that counter the effects of serotonin (a chemical that helps transmit signals in the brain) in the gastrointestinal tract to help manage nausea. Likewise, tricyclic antidepressants also block serotonin and can help limit nausea. However, these need to be used carefully because of their potential side effects, such as liver damage and abnormal heart rhythms.
Why would cannabis cause the symptoms that characterize CHS?
Working with a counselor or entering an outpatient program can help you understand and address the reasons you rely on marijuana. Having a trusted medical team can make all the difference, from offering strategies for stress management to prescribing medications that ease withdrawal symptoms. Diagnosing CHS might take time because not all medical professionals are familiar with it yet.
This can lead to a time of introspection and development, during Alcoholics Anonymous which more constructive methods of dealing with stress and taking care of oneself are adopted. It proves that the human spirit can overcome great adversity and serves as a reminder that happiness may be found even in the darkest times. The only known definitive prevention and treatment for CHS is abstaining from cannabis. While this might sound simple, it can be challenging for people who depend on cannabis for its therapeutic effects or for those with substance use disorders. The gut has several receptors, including those for cannabinoids and histamine, that can directly influence the process of vomiting when stimulated.
- Ultimately though, the only clear and universally effective way to get rid of CHS symptoms is to entirely stop cannabis.
- 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.
- Risk factors for CHS include demographic and behavioral factors such as long-term marijuana use, age, gender, and sociocultural background.
- California Prime Recovery is dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery from substance use and mental health disorders.
- You’ll stay in the hospital until you can hold down regular meals and your vomiting subsides.
The most effective treatment for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is the cessation of marijuana use. Unfortunately, the psychological and physical dependency on marijuana can make quitting challenging for many individuals. In these cases, addiction treatment programs can provide the necessary support for successful recovery.
- The combination of severe vomiting, dehydration, and potential organ stress means CHS can be life-threatening if not treated.
- Sometimes, patients may not want to reveal certain information, such as illegal drug use, which can make diagnosis complex for doctors.
- It’s the third most common reason why people seek treatment, following alcohol and opioids.
- When cannabinoids bind with brain receptors, they tend to prevent nausea and vomiting.
- While both CHS and Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) cause severe vomiting, their causes differ.
Prodromal Phase
- While the symptoms of CHS are often mistakenly attributed to other disorders, early diagnosis and quitting cannabis are crucial for managing the condition.
- Still, recent studies have opened up a new possibility—that genetics are the reason why CHS hits some cannabis consumers but not others.
- For those experiencing severe CHS symptoms, medical treatment may be necessary.
- Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a condition that affects some people who use cannabis, especially over a long period.
Over time, these tools can help you live without marijuana and remove the ongoing threat of CHS from your life. Doctors rely mostly on a person’s symptoms, medical history, and history of marijuana use to identify CHS. You’ll likely undergo a physical exam, and your doctor might ask questions like how often you use cannabis, how long you’ve chs syndrome been using, and what patterns you notice about your nausea.
