Despite the rising use of cannabis, many people are unaware of a potential condition associated with frequent use called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). It is characterized by persistent nausea and vomiting and relies on hot showers or baths to alleviate symptoms. CHS is a condition that disrupts daily life and sometimes even requires medical intervention. In this article, we will explore what CHS is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. We will also consider the preventative measures for those who use cannabis frequently.
What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)?
CHS is a rare but serious side effect of chronic cannabis use. It is specifically tied to tetrahydrocannabinol THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. While cannabis is often used to alleviate nausea in certain contexts, long-term, heavy use can lead to severe nausea and vomiting in some users.
Bouts of repeated vomiting and extreme stomach pain often mark the condition. The only hope available to improve the condition is with the cessation of cannabis use. Some individuals may experience temporary relief from these symptoms by taking a hot shower or hot bath. For individuals unaware of CHS, these symptoms can be confusing and distressing, often leading to multiple visits to the emergency room.
What causes CHS?
The exact cause of CHS remains uncertain, but studies suggest that high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol THC over an extended period can disrupt the body’s cannabinoid receptors. This then leads to adverse effects on the digestive system.
Unlike the initial anti-nausea effects of cannabis, repeated and long-term exposure seems to cause the opposite reaction in certain people, triggering the syndrome’s cycle of severe nausea and vomiting.
Researchers also explore the potential connection between CHS and cyclical vomiting syndrome; cyclical vomiting syndrome involves similar symptoms but is not cannabis-related. People who develop CHS are usually long-term cannabis users, though the specific trigger point varies by individual. This disruption in the body’s processing of THC may be unique to certain users, making CHS more difficult to predict.
What are the symptoms of CHS?
The symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis include:
- Persistent Nausea and Vomiting. People with CHS experience unrelenting nausea that worsens over time, along with repeated vomiting episodes.
- Abdominal Pains. Severe abdominal pains are common symptoms, making it difficult to manage daily activities.
- Relief from Hot Showers or Baths. Hot showers and hot baths temporarily alleviate symptoms. However, the effect is short-lived and not a long-term solution.
Symptoms include episodes that may come and go. This makes it difficult for individuals to identify CHS as the underlying issue. Trips to the emergency room are common because the issues are often unexplained pain and nausea on the face of it.
How is CHS diagnosed?
Diagnosing CHS can be challenging due to the overlap with other gastrointestinal and metabolic issues. Physicians typically arrive at a diagnosis by evaluating a patient’s medical history, frequency of cannabis use, and recurring symptoms. When cyclical vomiting syndrome presents similar signs, doctors need to rule out other conditions before confirming CHS. Key diagnostic indicators include a history of long-term cannabis use, recurrent episodes of nausea and vomiting, and reports of symptom relief through hot baths or showers.
Sometimes, the diagnosis may be delayed as individuals do not associate their cannabis use with their symptoms. However, awareness of CHS is increasing, and physicians are more frequently considering it in cases where patients report chronic cannabis.
What is the treatment for CHS?
The primary treatment for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is straightforward. However, it is often difficult for the affected individual. To commit to the cessation of cannabis use may not be what an individual wants. When an individual stops using cannabis, symptoms generally begin to improve during the recovery phase. Many even are finding complete relief over time.
For immediate symptom management, doctors may recommend treatments that target nausea and abdominal pain, although these are temporary solutions.
Some treatment methods include:
- IV Fluids: To address dehydration from repeated vomiting.
- Anti-Nausea Medications: These are used to manage nausea, though these are often less effective than cessation.
- Pain Management: Severe stomach pain should be carefully monitored.
In cases where individuals continue to experience symptoms despite stopping cannabis use, further investigation into other medical conditions will be necessary.
How can CHS be prevented?
Some preventative steps for individuals using cannabis and experiencing CHS can be:
- Limit Use: Avoid heavy or long-term cannabis use to reduce the risk of developing CHS.
- Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any episodes of nausea or abdominal pain, especially if you rely on hot showers for relief.
- Seek Early Intervention: If symptoms arise, consider discussing your cannabis use with a mental health professional to assess any potential for CHS.
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