Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare condition that develops in people who use cannabis frequently over a period of several years. Treatment involves stopping cannabis use and symptom management. While CHS itself is not a mental health disorder, its effects can trigger or worsen pre-existing mental health conditions. Treatment for CHS often requires both physical and psychological support, including counseling to address underlying mental health issues. Early morning nausea, repeated vomiting, and disrupted normal eating patterns may indicate cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. It is important for people with CHS to stop using marijuana because this will resolve their nausea and vomiting.
It just isn’t clear exactly why some people get CHS and others do not. But, researchers do know only cannabis users get this condition. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is a condition that affects individuals who use marijuana regularly, particularly those who have been using it for years or in large quantities. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome or cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is commonly abbreviated as CHS. CHS affects those who consume cannabis, also known as marijuana and weed. The only treatment for CHS is to stop the consumption of cannabis.
How Can I Prevent Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?
Cannabis can be both medicine and, in rare cases, the source of illness. If you need help quitting, speak to a healthcare provider or connect with your local addiction treatment services. It’s important to be honest about your marijuana use if you have symptoms of CHS. Without knowing this background, providers often misdiagnose CHS as other conditions, like cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS). Cannabinoids are compounds in the Cannabis sativa plant that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your brain, spinal cord, gastrointestinal tract and other body tissues. Examples of cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Some may be finding that there can be very real — and serious — complications that come with cannabis use. As more states legalize cannabis, more people are learning whether cannabis is right for them. Brittany initially blamed herself for developing the syndrome. But she’s replaced her old habit with a new hobby; she’s read 60 books this year, she said, and she feels Alcohol Use Disorder great.
- A unique feature of the hyperemetic phase is the compulsive use of hot showers or baths, which temporarily alleviate symptoms and serve as a key diagnostic indicator.
- People with CHS frequently report that hot showers or baths help alleviate symptoms, a unique behavior that can aid in diagnosing the syndrome.
- For most users, cannabis remains a safe and beneficial therapeutic option.
- In addition to frequent and severe vomiting, patients may have difficulty eating and drinking, and only find (temporary) relief in hot showers and baths.
- Nicki’s long-term career goals include advancing in leadership roles within Virtue Recovery Center which is a quickly growing substance use disorder treatment facility.
- Because cannabis is often used as a treatment for nausea or pain, it can be mistakenly blamed for symptoms that it was intended to relieve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since then, reports of these symptoms have increased, though the condition is still not fully understood. The prodromal phase is characterized by days, weeks, or months of mild symptoms. Researchers frequently describe them as similar to the “aura” of migraines because they precede an intense worsening of symptoms. In this phase, patients experience nausea, mild GI discomfort, and anxiety or restlessness.
Health and Safety
If you have symptoms, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask for your detailed medical history. Let your doctor know how much marijuana you use and how often you use it. For those experiencing symptoms, seeking prompt medical care is essential, particularly during the hyperemetic phase, when complications are more likely to occur. While CHS itself is not usually fatal, severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can be life-threatening if untreated. Cannabis has become one of the most widely used substances in the world. It’s celebrated for its medical benefits, including pain relief, improved sleep, and reduced nausea.
However, because CHS is not always diagnosed correctly, its true prevalence may be underreported. With growing awareness, more people are seeking medical help, which may lead to better recognition and reporting of the condition. Moreover, the composition of cannabis itself may influence the severity of CHS symptoms. For instance, the ratio of THC to CBD in cannabis products may affect the intensity of nausea and vomiting, with higher THC levels potentially contributing to more severe symptoms. Understanding these effects is essential for developing effective treatment strategies and preventing the onset of CHS in regular marijuana smokers. People with CHS also tend to have a strong urge to take very hot showers or baths.
Research on CHS is limited and the causes of CHS are not fully understood. However, some studies suggest that using cannabis often and over a long period of time may increase the risk of developing CHS. As awareness of CHS continues to grow, we are committed to staying at the forefront of treatment options and providing specialized care for our patients.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medical intervention now can prevent more severe complications. Nicki’s long-term career goals include advancing in leadership roles within Virtue Recovery Center which is a quickly growing substance use disorder treatment facility. She hopes that one day her research and advocacy will help to save the lives of those who have been affected by substance https://tctcode.in/i-am-not-defined-by-my-past-my-recovery-story/ use. She likes to say that advocacy is her passion and leadership is her superpower. One reason is that people with cannabis use disorder may be hesitant to seek help due to their drug use.
Relief Through Heat Therapy and Additional Treatments for CHS
- Even if you’ve used marijuana for months or years without any symptoms, CHS can happen at any time.
- It’s important to check with the insurance provider to confirm coverage details for specific treatments related to CHS.
- As cannabis use grows increasingly common, understanding CHS symptoms is vital for both users and healthcare providers.
- Understanding these distinctions is key to accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- No clinical guidelines exist, so they must rely on published case reports to treat people with CHS.
These chemical disturbances in the body caused cardiac arrest in one patient and kidney failure in the other patient, leading to their deaths. Seabrook said a likely reason for increased rates of CHS is the high THC potency of cannabis products today. Moreover, 12-step recovery programs can help in providing a safe space to share experiences, find encouragement, and take ownership of the path to one’s recovery. They help in providing the ongoing support and care needed to aid recovery and maintain long-term sobriety.
What are the symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
Over time, these tools can help you live without marijuana and remove the ongoing threat of CHS from your life. Doctors rely mostly on a person’s symptoms, medical history, and history of marijuana use to identify CHS. You’ll likely undergo a physical exam, and your doctor might ask questions like how often you use cannabis, how long you’ve been using, and what patterns you notice about your nausea. If you’re not upfront about your marijuana use, your provider may diagnose you with a completely different issue. It can rob your body of essential fluids, leading to dehydration and serious health issues.
These medications aim to manage symptoms and support recovery while discontinuing cannabis use. Although these phases describe the typical progression, each individual’s experience with CHS may vary. Some may experience recurring episodes if cannabis use continues. Splanchnic vasodilation – THC alters blood flow, potentially contributing to chs symptoms nausea and abdominal pain.