Ultimately, while being high can reduce anxiety and make the most mundane things hilarious, if you’re someone who is affected by CHS, it’s probably not worth these symptoms. Life can be just as fun and colorful without cannabis, pinky promise. Most importantly, Walker says to share everything with your doctors. If you’re not being honest, you might not get the treatment you need — and no one wants to be sick (like, hugging the toilet, sick) for longer than they have to be.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) and the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) in Adults
Skip foods and beverages that irritate the stomach, such as alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods. Also, avoid stressful situations as much as possible, as stress can sometimes worsen CHS symptoms. When you use marijuana for many years, it can start to slowly change how the receptors in your body respond to the cannabinoid chemicals. For example, the drug affects the receptors in the esophageal sphincter, the tight band of muscle that opens and closes to let food go from your throat to your stomach.
Symptoms Of CHS
They may also prescribe antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol (Haldol) or olanzapine (Zyprexa) to help you calm down as you switch to the recovery phase. Some people who use marijuana heavily get CHS while others don’t. Researchers aren’t sure exactly why weed causes CHS symptoms only in some people. Researchers are currently studying several treatment options to manage the hyperemetic phase of chs syndrome CHS. Some people call certain symptoms of CHS “scromiting.” The term combines “vomiting” and “screaming.” You may have intense pain, which causes you to scream while you vomit. Symptoms of CHS typically come on several years after the start of chronic marijuana use.
What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome? Here’s what to know, and why experts say it’s on the rise
In women, a pregnancy test is necessary to assess for any pregnancies, especially ectopic pregnancies. Imaging is up to the discretion of the clinician, depending on various specific factors of history or physical exam, which may be concerning for surgical processes. Experts know that, usually, cannabis sends anti-nausea signals to the brain. But in rare cases, after continued and heavy cannabis use, signaling to the cannabis receptors in the digestive tract goes wrong and causes nausea and vomiting. It just Substance abuse isn’t clear exactly why some people get CHS and others do not.
An even more troubling piece of the puzzle is that many people who feel nauseated due to CHS may try to use more marijuana to alleviate their symptoms, not realizing they’re only making the problem worse. Understanding that cannabis might be the root cause of your nausea is essential for breaking out of the loop. The rise in cannabis legalization could also mean more people have ready access to stronger strains.
