Keep in mind none of these treatments will be effective if you continue using cannabis products. In one 2018 study, a group of researchers surveyed 2,127 U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 49 at an emergency department in New York. Of those surveyed, 155 met the criteria of smoking cannabis at least 20 days per month.
A Complete Guide to (CHS) Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome
The earliest CHS symptoms include morning nausea, reduced appetite, and abdominal discomfort. These can last months or years before the severe vomiting phase. Many patients initially don’t connect their symptoms with cannabis, because marijuana is widely known as an anti-nausea drug.
Often mistakenly called Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome, Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is a rare form of cannabinoid toxicity that develops in chronic smokers. It’s characterized by cyclic episodes of debilitating nausea and vomiting. People who suffer from the marijuana addiction syndrome often find that hot showers relieve their symptoms, and will compulsively bathe during episodes of nausea and vomiting. Marijuana is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States, with almost 18% of the population using it at least once in 2019. It’s estimated that 3 out of 10 people have a marijuana use disorder, which can lead to some severe consequences, including cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).
- However, those with a cannabis addiction or dependency may find it hard to stop using marijuana, and may require dedicated support to overcome the addiction and improve their health and wellbeing.
- CHS is also underdiagnosed because people sometimes use marijuana to suppress nausea and vomiting.
- People with CHS also tend to have a strong urge to take very hot showers or baths.
- Hence, you must understand which Cannabis strain is best for your health and your symptoms.
- Usually, cannabis relaxes the smooth muscle to reduce intestinal or digestive cramps.
Senior Health
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). One study found that 32.9% of self-reported frequent marijuana users who came to an emergency department for care met the criteria for CHS.
What are the symptoms of CHS?
Since it was first identified in 2004 in Australia, researchers have looked at the effects of cannabis on the vomiting centers of the brain. While waiting for answers, she noticed an educational pamphlet on cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a little-known illness characterized by an onset of intense vomiting. She wondered if her gastric distress might have been caused by the marijuana she regularly and legally smoked at her home in Toronto. Doctors at the hospital ran tests and ordered scans but could not what is chs weed name the source of her unrelenting nausea and vomiting.
Because CHS has previously been an enigma, hypothesis’ have abound about what could be causing CHS. Patients are encouraged to order the test through their physician as a part of the diagnostic process. Some people may feel better with cream (capsaicin) applied to the stomach area.
Understanding CHS, including its symptoms, causes, and rarity, is important for better diagnosis and treatment. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome or CHS is a condition that affects people who use cannabis. CHS is a rather rare condition and is generally only seen in long time cannabis users.
You can also sustain life-threatening injuries if you hit your head during a seizure, which is why many people with severe CHS symptoms need the safety and monitoring of a Florida detox program. The pain is usually around the belly button and can get better with hot shower/baths. Some patients use hot water https://ecosoberhouse.com/ bags across the center of their belly and can burn the skin if done a lot.
What is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?
While these are similar conditions symptomatically, they have very different root causes. CVS is actually a type of migraine condition that usually appears during infancy or childhood and develops into more classic migraine symptoms later on. Studies on CHS on the other hand have found the average age of onset to be 32 years old, and does not seem to be related to migraine. After halting cannabis use patients typically recover in a matter of days, weeks, or months. Nausea ceases, appetite resumes, body weight is regained, and bathing/showering regimen returns to normal. Researchers have only recently discovered CHS, so some doctors or healthcare professionals may not recognize the condition.
Managing the Symptoms at Home
Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content. For patients and healthcare providers alike, awareness of CHS is essential. Cannabis can be both medicine and, in rare cases, the source of illness. 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 family therapy can also help.
Learn More About Safe and Responsible Cannabis Consumption
- A picture is becoming clear, and it could be alarming to anyone with a long history of marijuana use.
- Some clinicians also use topical capsaicin, which may help relieve abdominal pain.
- Nicki hopes to contribute to the body of knowledge in treating substance use disorders.
- At Virtue Recovery Center, we understand the importance of accessible care.
If you use cannabis often and frequently experience vomiting and nausea, you should tell a healthcare professional. CHS is a serious condition that can significantly impact daily life for heavy cannabis users. Recognizing the signs and knowing when to seek help are essential steps toward relief. With the right support, CHS recovery is possible, leading to a healthier, symptom-free life. Connecting with a knowledgeable healthcare provider is crucial for recovery.