Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
Addiction rehab programs or CBT may be helpful resources for quitting cannabis. Speak with a doctor or healthcare professional if you or someone you know has symptoms of CHS. Symptoms are typically mild during the first stage of the condition. CHS is a rare condition that may result from long-term cannabis use.
Treatment for Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)
Indeed, Habboushe et al.64 acknowledge the limitations of their estimation and conclude that CHS is much more prevalent than is recognized in society. Prevalence cannot accurately be determined until accurate diagnosis and classification are agreed upon. Most studies regarding the epidemiology of CHS lack information about patient histories, comorbid psychiatric illnesses, possible re-disposing factors, and type of cannabis consumed (i.e. THC percentage), which may aid the understanding of the etiology of CHS. After halting cannabis use (the only cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome “treatment” option), 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.
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People with the condition often experience severe nausea and repeated vomiting. alcoholism Authors of a 2006 review out of Australia criticize the original 2004 research that defined cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome for poor study design and for misattributing increases in cannabis use to liberalized laws. Compulsive hot showering or bathing may be critical in distinguishing CHS from CVS and other conditions with similar symptoms. Studies show that between 90% to 100% of people with CHS use hot showering or bathing to relieve symptoms. Researchers have proposed that this behavior may be included in the diagnostic criteria for CHS.
Vasodilatory Effects
If symptoms persist and you continue to use cannabis, you may experience more severe problems that require hospitalization for treatment. They can begin as mild problems that make you feel sick in the morning. Belly pain and a sense that you are going to vomit are also common.
Diagnosis
Hot showers have emerged as an intriguing phenomenon in assuaging the symptoms of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), offering a peculiar yet effective avenue for relief. While the precise physiological mechanisms underpinning this phenomenon continue to be explored, several theories shed light on why hot showers might hold therapeutic value for CHS patients. When you do this, your symptoms usually start to go away in few days to a few months. Over time, the symptoms will go away completely unless you start to use again.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Treatment
- By following these steps and seeking professional medical advice, individuals with CHS can manage their symptoms and work towards a full recovery.
- One of the 4 who recovered went back to using marijuana and the vomiting resumed.
- Anandamide and 2-AG are released locally on demand by neurons, are present in small quantities, and undergo rapid inactivation 8.
- After a 90-day break from cannabis, it may be possible to reintroduce cannabis slowly and carefully.
You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. CHS symptoms typically present in a cyclical pattern every few weeks to months when cannabis is being used. Researchers say that compounds such as THC can do this because of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. The researchers also believe that these receptors may be responsible for the symptoms of CHS. The fact of the matter is, we don’t have enough research to show if or why cannabis is the cause of these symptoms. What we do know is that there are people out there who benefit from cutting back on their intake or ceasing altogether.
Understanding Myrcene: The Essential Terpene In Cannabis
Education regarding the potential effects of long-term high doses of cannabinoids should be disseminated to physicians and the public to better detect and manage this debilitating syndrome. Future research, both clinical and pre-clinical, should continue to investigate the underlying mechanism and pre-disposing factors of CHS, to further understand the consequences of high-dose cannabinoid use and dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system. It is unclear, however, if what are the stages of chs this was due to an increase in cannabis use or an increase in cannabis use reporting due to the increased acceptance and legalization of cannabis. Schreck et al.62 determined that the rate of reporting in France is similar to that reported in international literature. These studies only provide estimates, and rely on accurate diagnosis and disclosure of cannabis use; therefore, they are likely underestimations of the actual prevalence.
- Benzodiazepines are controlled substances that people must use with caution, particularly those with a history of drug use.
- Unfortunately, many of these patients relapse upon resuming cannabis 6,59,61,62.
- But too many of them may increase your risk for dehydration due to sweating.
- As people with CHS often only consult their doctors during the hyperemesis stage, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the treatment of people during the prodromal stage.
- In addition, since pesticides are not exclusive to cannabis, there would be many similar cases that would not be solved with cannabis abstinence.
They also experience episodes of vomiting that return every few weeks or months. Two well-characterized naturally occurring endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Cannabinoids discovered in the cannabis plant with known effects on the regulation of emesis include tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, and cannabigerol. Many people with CHS will compulsively shower or bathe — often for hours every day — to relieve CHS symptoms. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.
How can I prevent cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
However, researchers have yet to determine the cause of CHS since it does not affect all users of marijuana. One possible treatment option involves the use of benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, to control nausea and vomiting. Benzodiazepines are controlled substances that people must use with caution, particularly those with a history of drug use.