An analysis of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome Reddit posts and themes

Knowledge of the time course of first cannabis use or daily use to cyclic vomiting symptom onset, episode and disease progression, and time from cessation of use to the resolution of symptoms is extremely limited 6,21. Current published follow-up literature is limited to case reports and series, most of which only follow patients for a few days to weeks after a symptomatic episode 10. This lack of data and understanding of the timing of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome symptoms and disease progression is reflected in the high frequency of Reddit posts discussing these themes and questions. The types of timing information reported (e.g., time since onset cannabis what is chs use to symptoms, duration of symptoms, lifetime cannabis use years) and the use of different forms of temporal information often lacked a clear time reference point.

Emetic Phase

• Further details about the classifiers and the text processing performed are provided in the supplementary material.
• The primary psychoactive component of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
• Speak with a doctor or healthcare professional if you or someone you know has symptoms of CHS.
• While both CHS and Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) cause severe vomiting, their causes differ.
• Knowledge shared via online social media platforms contains detailed information on self-reported cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome disease and management experiences, which can serve as valuable data for the development of treatment strategies.

In select cases, topical application of capsaicin cream on the abdomen has demonstrated promise in alleviating CHS symptoms. Capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, acts on TRPV1 receptors, potentially modulating gastrointestinal sensory pathways and altering intestinal blood flow to provide relief from nausea and vomiting. The vasodilation induced by heat exposure in hot showers can enhance peripheral blood vessel dilation, promoting improved circulation. This increased blood flow to the skin and peripheral tissues may help shift blood volume away from the gastrointestinal tract, potentially alleviating nausea and vomiting symptoms by reducing visceral hypersensitivity and enhancing overall comfort levels. If you are experiencing severe vomiting or other concerning symptoms, contact your health care provider. As many other health problems could lead to repeated vomiting, it’s important to discuss your complete health history, including your cannabis use, with any provider you see for your symptoms.

What are the symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?

Severe and uncontrollable vomiting increases the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, and in rare cases, patients can experience esophageal tears, Camenga said. Doctors often treat CHS patients who seek help at hospitals with fluids. Experts also aren’t clear on what causes CHS, or why some people develop it while others don’t. Since it was first identified in 2004 in Australia, researchers have looked at the effects of cannabis on the vomiting centers of the brain. CHS symptoms typically present in a cyclical pattern every few weeks to months when cannabis is being used.

• He also warned that people with serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, should be cautious about marijuana use, as studies show cannabis can exacerbate the effects of those illnesses.
• The word “cannabinoid” refers to compounds uniquely found in cannabis, and “hyperemesis” means severe vomiting.
• It appears from the current literature that the prevalence of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is higher in the US compared to Canada and the United Kingdom, although the prevalence of cannabis use is similar in these countries 7,8.
• The recent body of research recognizes that patients with CHS impose a burden on the healthcare systems.

Topical Capsaicin Cream

• With the expanding acceptance and legalization of cannabis worldwide, healthcare providers face a crucial imperative to accurately identify CHS amidst a sea of similar clinical presentations.
• However, more general treatment strategies, including hydration, gastrointestinal medications to relieve spasms and reduce acid reflux, probiotics, and mild food items (e.g., crackers, soup), were also frequently mentioned.
• However, our understanding of its effects has unfolded significantly over the last 3 decades.
• The diagnostic criteria for CHS were ill-defined prior to the establishment of the Rome IV criteria of 2016.2223 Per the Rome IV criteria, all 3 of the following must be met to be diagnosed with CHS.
• Other known complications of forceful and uncontrolled vomiting include aspiration and subsequent pneumonitis or aspiration pneumonia as well as injury to the esophageal wall such as Boerhaave’s syndrome.
• In one study, about 84% of people who received treatment for CHS stopped using cannabis, and of those, about 86% reported resolution of symptoms.

One theory is that frequent cannabis use leads to the buildup of cannabinoids in the body, which can affect the endocannabinoid system and trigger symptoms of CHS. Another theory suggests that CHS combination of genetic and environmental factors could be a link to the cause of CHS. If you have CHS and don’t stop using, your symptoms like nausea and vomiting are likely to come back. As long as you don’t use marijuana, your symptoms shouldn’t return. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor whether a drug rehabilitation program is a good fit for you. If you’re interested, reach out to a mental health Sober living house professional like a licensed psychologist or therapist.

What is the treatment for cannabinoid hyperemesis treatment?

Many people with CHS will compulsively shower or bathe — often for hours every day — to relieve CHS symptoms. Symptoms of CHS typically come on several years after the start of chronic marijuana use. We’re trying to keep r/CHSinfo focused on CHS, including diagnosis, treatment, causes and support. Moderating cannabis use is such a complex topic, that it’s beyond the scope of this forum.

• Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is an uncommon reaction to cannabis use.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose on the package – the “therapeutic dose” and “toxic dose” of Tylenol are very close to each other.
• She wondered if her gastric distress might have been caused by the marijuana she regularly and legally smoked at her home in Toronto.
• This evolution has been accompanied by a concerning uptick in cases of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), characterized by distressing bouts of nausea and vomiting with varying degrees of severity.

Diagnosis

Knowledge shared via online social media platforms contains detailed information on self-reported cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome disease and management experiences, which can serve as valuable data for the development of treatment strategies. Further longitudinal studies in patients with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome are needed to corroborate these findings. Reddit posts for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome provide a rich source of community discussion and individual reports of people experiencing cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.