Patients who fail to respond to antiemetic therapy are at high risk for dehydration and resulting in nutritional deficiencies. Other known complications of forceful and uncontrolled vomiting include aspiration and subsequent pneumonitis or aspiration pneumonia as well as injury to the esophageal wall such as Boerhaave’s syndrome. The ECS is actively involved in motility, secretions, emesis, satiety and inflammation 32.
What are the three stages of CHS?
However, there have been no specific studies for this alternative practice in treating CHS. Hot baths or showers may temporarily relieve symptoms, but they are not a long-term solution for CHS. This is the first and most crucial step in the recovery process. Once cannabis use is stopped, the symptoms of CHS will gradually start to subside. “I don’t want to paint the picture like we’ve solved the world, and that’s it’s all peace and harmony from now on. But I do think that it has unlocked this potential for us to just have reasonable, grounded, even tempered conversations that we just haven’t been able to do in our state before now,” she said.
- As cannabis products like vapes, shatter, and dabs have reached near 100% potency, doctors across Washington state are seeing an increase in cannabis-related disorders, including CHS.
- All of these words have been used to describe cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).
- “I don’t want to paint the picture like we’ve solved the world, and that’s it’s all peace and harmony from now on.
- Once the syndrome is finally diagnosed, the patient gets familiar with the condition, learns what CHS is, and begins treatment.
- 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.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Treatment Guidelines
Few prescription medications can ease CHS vomiting.6 However, doctors may experiment with drug protocols to find a combination that works for you. The goal is to lessen symptoms even if the medications don’t completely eradicate them. CHS symptoms typically present in a cyclical pattern every few weeks to months when cannabis is being used. No, continuing to use cannabis in any form can exacerbate the symptoms of CHS and delay recovery.
Stopping Cannabis Use
- Reusing cannabis again often leads to a reoccurrence of CHS.
- There is only one way to prevent cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and that is to avoid cannabis.
- Cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant and bind to cannabinoid receptors found in our brains, gastrointestinal tracts and immune cells.
- The symptoms take three phases, and they can be extremely severe, especially in phase two.
- To lower the morbidity, CHS is best managed by an interprofessional team.
For severe cases, hospitalization may be required to manage dehydration and provide IV fluids. CHS can also impact mental health, as recurring symptoms may cause anxiety or depression. At this time, the only known way to cure CHS is by quitting cannabis. Even cannabis products that don’t contain THC have the potential to cause or worsen CHS. If you need help quitting cannabis, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a 24/7 helpline in English and Spanish.
Are there methods for taking cannabis without worsening CHS?
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a rare condition that causes frequent and repeated vomiting as a result of prolonged cannabis use. The only known effective treatment is to stop using cannabis. As long as you don’t use marijuana, your symptoms shouldn’t return. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor whether a drug rehabilitation program is a good fit for you. Cognitive behavioral therapy and what is chs family therapy can also help.
Health Conditions
The Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute at the UW School of Medicine is widely recognized as the premier source of cannabis research in the state. Since its founding in 1973, the institute has awarded more than $3.5 million to researchers in 40 UW departments, funding about 350 projects. “If somebody told me as a lawmaker that I could prevent a third of cases of schizophrenia in my state, why would I not be keenly interested in that policy lever? Halfway house “Gen Z people are purchasing more vape pens than any other generation, which is concerning given those are the people at highest risk,” he said.
- Because of this possible complication, it’s important to use caution with marijuana and other cannabis products.
- The researchers found that 32.9 percent of the participants reported having experienced symptoms of CHS in the past.
- For many health care providers, diagnosing the syndrome can be pretty challenging and can take a lot of time and effort.
- But a 2019 study concluded that it potentially accounts for up to 6 percent of emergency room visits for recurrent vomiting.
- After about years of chronic marijuana use, patients begin to have a strong feeling of sickness, throwing up, and belly pain.
- Daily, long-term users who take in a lot of marijuana have the highest risk of developing CHS.