Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Symptoms & Treatment

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Databases were used to search for articles on CHS published from January 2009 to June 2021, yielding 225 results of which 17 were deemed relevant and underwent review by 2 separate reviewers. This page may contain sensitive or adult content that’s not for everyone. To view it, please log in to confirm your age.By continuing, you also agree that use of this site constitutes acceptance of Reddit’s User Agreement and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy. In between episodes, you should avoid eating foods that may have triggered past episodes. Eating certain foods such as chocolate, cheese, and foods with monosodium glutamate (MSG), may trigger an episode in some people.

3. Recovery Phase

In fact, it is common what is chs weed for CHS patients to present frequently to the emergency department and be hospitalized multiple times each year 6. In rare instances, CHS can lead to death due to electrolyte imbalances resulting from chronic vomiting 6,22,26. 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.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

• A study published in Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology found that CHS is responsible for a growing number of emergency room visits , particularly among individuals aged 18–40 who report chronic cannabis use.
• The only consistently effective treatment is complete cessation of cannabis use , which usually leads to full symptom resolution within days to weeks.
• People who suffer from the syndrome often find that hot showers relieve their symptoms, and will compulsively bathe during episodes of nausea and vomiting.
• Table 1 provides an overview of the 13 articles included in this review, spanning publications from 2004 to 2024.

A distinctive feature of CHS is the compulsive need for hot showers or baths to relieve symptoms 6,8,16,19,22,23,25,26,32,39. Compulsive hot bathing is not an anxiety-related behavior but rather a learned response to symptom relief 6,8,26,27,32. The most effective long-term treatment for CHS, however, is cannabis cessation 5,6,8,11,16,19,26,45. A systematic review of case reports found that 96.8% of patients who stopped using alcoholism symptoms cannabis experienced complete resolution of symptoms 8. Symptoms typically resolve within days of stopping cannabis use 6,8, although they can reemerge within 24 h after the last use 16.

How can my diet help prevent or relieve cyclic vomiting syndrome?

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a gut–brain axis disorder characterized by recurring nausea and vomiting intensified by excessive cannabis consumption. CHS often goes undiagnosed due to inconsistent criteria, subjective symptoms, and similarity to cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS). Understanding the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its dual response (pro-emetic at higher doses and anti-emetic at lower doses) is crucial in the pathophysiology of CHS.

The only proven way to prevent cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is to avoid cannabis (marijuana). 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.

The importance of quitting cannabis with CHS

Conditions can overlap or mask CHS including cyclic vomiting syndrome, eating disorders, or drug-seeking behavior 44. Knowledge of pharmacological treatments for managing CHS https://ecosoberhouse.com/ may lessen the burden of ED resources with the recurring admission of patients with CHS 20, 23, 25, 28, 31, 33, 35. The medicinal value of cannabis as an antiemetic is well known by the medical fraternity. A less well-recognised entity is the potential for certain chronic users to develop hyperemesis. We describe the case of a young man who presented to us with features of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. We review the current literature on this condition, its pathogenesis and management.

• In addition, it would be prudent for the government to increase awareness of cannabis complications through warnings on packages, as is done for tobacco products.
• Although the condition is becoming more widely recognized, much of the current evidence on CHS remains of low quality, primarily drawn from case reports and case-series 8.
• Discover the complete CHS recovery timeline after quitting cannabis.
• Patients may increase use of cannabis due to its perceived antiemetic effects 8.

Additional studies were identified by screening the reference lists of key papers. No restrictions were placed on language, publication date, or geographic location. The major risk factor for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is long-term cannabis use, especially over 10 years. It is also regular cannabis use, especially among those who use it at least once a week or more.

Who Is Most at Risk for CHS?

Significant improvements in nausea and vomiting, as well as shorter length of hospital stay, were noted in patients treated with 0.075% topical capsaicin applied to the abdominal region 62. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) happens when you have cycles of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain after using cannabis (marijuana) for a long time. People with CHS often find temporary relief from these symptoms by taking hot baths and showers. Furthermore, indications, contraindications, and drug-drug interaction should be kept in mind and risks versus benefits weighed in older adults with multiple comorbidities while considering the management options.

What Causes Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome?

Thus, hot shower bathing may be more closely related to CHS, but is neither specific nor sensitive in its diagnosis. This is probably the reason for its non-inclusion in the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for CHS. The hyperemetic phase is characterized by severe, persistent cyclic vomiting and intense abdominal pain, typically lasting 1–2 days, though it can sometimes extend longer 21,26,52.

The Impact of CHS

This case report highlights the importance of recognizing common characteristics of CHS especially in pregnant women with a history of cannabis use. Additionally, the purpose of this article is to review the current literature available for the treatment of CHS and expand recognition of CHS as an increasingly prevalent condition. Visits and extensive recurring serum testing and imaging evaluations with increased healthcare-related costs. It is crucial to exclude other entities such as Addison’s disease, migraines, hyperemesis gravidarum, bulimia, and psychogenic vomiting, which can mimic CHS symptoms and may also occur alongside it. A thorough medical history, complete physical examination, and focused diagnostic testing help differentiate from these other differential conditions.