This is more common in men than women and usually starts around 35 years old. These two conditions are hard to distinguish between and the main difference is CHS happens with using a lot of marijuana. Although this study had some limitations, including self reported use of cannabis, Meltzer says it suggests a substantial risk of this painful and costly condition, especially for users who begin daily use of cannabis as adolescents.
Understanding CHS and Its Connection to CVS
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. Not everyone with the condition seeks medical help or tells their provider that they use marijuana. It’s a condition that can lead to serious health complications if you don’t get chs symptoms and signs treatment for it. When speaking to Page Six at the screening of “Riff Raff” at the Cinema Society Wednesday, Krumholtz told the outlet that he “almost died” after he experienced an extreme reaction to cannabis.
Deterrence and Patient Education
- The authors found no cases of geriatric CHS (≥65 years), but there is no reason evident why geriatric individuals who used marijuana long term would be immune from CHS.
- Finally, there have been anecdotal reports that changing the variety or strain of botanical marijuana can mitigate or even alleviate CHS.
- Many individuals use cannabis to manage chronic pain, but this long-term use can potentially lead to CHS.
- This overstimulation disrupts the delicate balance of the GI functions, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
It can rob your body of essential fluids, leading to dehydration and serious health issues. People with CHS might also struggle with an electrolyte imbalance, which can harm the heart, kidneys, and other vital organs. When your internal electrolyte levels go off the rails, your body’s ability to function properly gets compromised. Because you still believe marijuana helps nausea, you might use it more often, accidentally making your condition worse. The ongoing but mild nature of this phase can fool people into thinking they just have a sensitive stomach or deal with morning sickness. A typical person diagnosed with CHS might have smoked or ingested marijuana for about 19 years.
- This is more common in men than women and usually starts around 35 years old.
- In a case study from Texas, a 27-year-old male patient with CHS reported he found relief in hot showers but over time, he became refractory to the hot water and ended up having to visit the ED 105.
- People who have CHS experience repeated and severe bouts of nausea, vomiting, dehydration and stomach pain.
What are the symptoms of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?
Researchers and healthcare professionals are just beginning to understand more about CHS. The symptoms can be the same Alcoholics Anonymous as other medical conditions, so it can be hard to diagnose. The objective of our research was to establish a clinically meaningful description of CHS and its presentation, to evaluate diagnostic challenges in identifying this syndrome, and to describe effective treatment options. Articles that were not in English were excluded as were case reports that did not report the age, sex, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of the patient.
What are the possible complications of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
- Cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant and bind to cannabinoid receptors found in our brains, gastrointestinal tracts and immune cells.
- Understanding hyperemesis syndrome in the context of CHS is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers.
- In addition to appropriate antiemetic therapy, fluid resuscitation, and management of the patient’s symptoms, patients must recognize behaviors and exposures that place them at risk for their pathology.
- They should also have the freedom and empowerment to speak up to other team members if they feel that this may be getting overlooked in the diagnostic picture.
- With the widespread use, increased potency and legalization of marijuana in multiple states in the U.S., CHS may be becoming increasingly common.
You’ll stay in the hospital until you can hold down regular meals and your vomiting subsides. Feeling nauseated also kills your appetite, and it’s easy to become dehydrated. Trying to power through your daily responsibilities can feel almost impossible. This stage typically lasts about 24 to 48 hours but can extend longer, especially if you continue using marijuana.
Most resources and recommendations come from case studies and expert opinions. In addition to appropriate antiemetic therapy, fluid resuscitation, and management of the patient’s symptoms, patients must recognize behaviors and exposures that place them at risk for their pathology. For supportive care, a clinician should work together with the pharmacist to see if any medications could contribute to the patient’s presentation. If administering antiemetics, the nursing staff should be familiar with the adverse event profile so they can report any concerns that may arise.
