Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is a rare syndrome that usually only occurs with frequent or chronic users of marijuana. At this time, there is only just now research surfacing, and the earliest diagnosable case occurred in 2004.

With little knowledge and evidence of how or why this happens, most researchers have given up on an explanation. However, this article is about my experience with CHS, the symptoms, and when to seek emergency help.

The Three Phases of CHS

• Prodromal phase: with this stage, you may experience increased nausea, especially when waking up.
• You may fear or feel that you will throw up, but it may not occur.
• Abdominal pain usually accompanies other symptoms in this stage.

• Hyperemetic phase: Usually lasting 24 to 48 hours, sometimes more in severe cases.
• People in this phase have overwhelming, recurrent vomiting and nausea. You may start compulsively bathing and avoid certain foods or purposefully restrict your food intake.
• Loss of appetite or weight loss can occur after prolonged occurrences of vomiting.

• Recovery phase: During recovery, you will have to stop cannabis use.
• When you are in the recovery phase, symptoms lessen over a few days or months. Eventually, they disappear.
• In severe cases, for example, mine, It's taken me a couple of years before I was able to recover.

Symptoms of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

The main symptom of CHS is vomiting. The persistent vomiting can last for a few hours to a few days on and off. The second episode I experienced lasted almost two weeks. The severity of the pain and occurrence varies with each person and can be more severe with others. No one knows how or why that is.

The second most common symptom is abdominal pain. This usually accompanies the aftermath of the vomiting episodes along with dehydration.

If you suffer from CHS, slowly begin eating and drinking after the vomiting ceases to avoid inducing another episode. I would recommend small meals and no foods with acidity or spice.

Other symptoms of CHS may include; heartburn, disorientation, and fatigue.

Treatments for CHS

There is no cure or reversal for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. You can ease the symptoms with habits and treatments.

You must be honest with your doctor about your use of cannabis so that they can properly diagnose you.

At-home treatment methods: You can take hot showers or baths to help ease nausea and abdominal pains. As I've mentioned before, after the vomiting episodes, you'll want to eat smaller meals until the vomiting subsides after a few days.

After quitting cannabis use, you may also take over-the-counter or prescribed medications given by your doctor.

Doctors may prescribe or give you antihistamines, antipsychotics, and medications for dehydration and pain relief. For visits to the hospital, they will offer IV fluids to prevent dehydration and keep you for a few days or more, depending on your recovery rate.

Misconceptions

You can develop CHS anytime in your life. You do not have to be a frequent or chronic user. However, with speculation, those habits can increase your possibility of developing it, or if you've been a user since adolescence.

There is still much to be researched on CHS, but I, and many others, can assure you that it is a real syndrome.

It's important to understand that people who suffer from CHS may not even be able to come into contact with cannabis, as even the odor can induce an episode.

Some may believe that taking breaks or pauses between use will "Get rid of" the symptoms or that smoking or consuming more will ease nausea and vomiting. It's advised you do not do this. Instead, consult your doctor to get professional advice and receive treatment and medications to help you begin recovery.

Cites and sources; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21665-cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome