We do these to make sure that nothing really bad is happening. These usually happen for 3 to 4 days but can last as long as 1 week in bad cases. This article describes the causes, symptoms, and stages of CHS.
What are the symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
They help in providing the ongoing support and care needed to aid recovery and maintain long-term sobriety. At the NuView Treatment Center, we https://ecosoberhouse.com/ provide comprehensive and personalized treatment for our clients suffering from cannabis use, including CHS syndrome. We believe in addressing the physical and psychological aspects of cannabis use with behavioral therapies, counseling, education, and social support.
How common is cannabis hyperemesis syndrome?
- It is believed that it is the overstimulation of cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system through the long-term or heavy use of marijuana that leads to CHS.
- One study found that 32.9% of self-reported frequent marijuana users who came to an emergency department for care met the criteria for CHS.
- The only treatment that can get rid of CHS symptoms for good is to stop using cannabis completely.
- But not every person who uses marijuana, even long-term use, develops CHS.
Some patients increase their cannabis use, believing the anti-emetic benefits it provides will ease their symptoms when, in fact, it will only increase them. Many find cannabis an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting. Ironically, cannabis use is also the cause of a condition called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), where nausea and frequent vomiting are the primary symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider if you suspect you have CHS.
Hyperemetic phase
They also decided to send a suppository to the pharmacy for the vomiting. how long does it take to recover from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome However, the gastroenterologist agreed with the CHS diagnosis and ordered more blood work. In the meantime, Brian began using marijuana again, and for several weeks, he did not have any symptoms at all.
Care instructions
This article will explain the causes of CHS and the available treatment options. The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. Though not life-threatening, the overconsumption of weed is known as greening out. Recent research, particularly by Dr. Russo in partnership with Endocanna Health, has begun to unveil the genetic factors contributing to CHS.
Patients & Families
The symptoms can be the same as other medical conditions, so it can be hard to diagnose. It is often described as a syndrome that affects only a small portion of people who are heavy, chronic cannabis users. At low doses, the effect of cannabis on your brain can have an antiemetic effect that suppresses nausea and vomiting. However, with repeated use in some people, it can have the opposite effect on the digestive tract. This results in the persistent vomiting and nausea characteristic of CHS.
CHS Symptoms
Quitting all marijuana use is the best way to stop the problem. Acute dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can cause organ failure and death. You can also Oxford House sustain life-threatening injuries if you hit your head during a seizure.
A community connecting cannabis consumers, patients, retailers, doctors, and brands since 2008. Expensive and non-diagnostic imaging scans for CHS-related symptoms are usually unnecessary. Still, in some cases, an abdominal CT scan or X-rays may be ordered to determine if there is a serious issue, such as an intestinal blockage that may require surgery. A 2016 case study describes two deaths due to complications of CHS. The cause of death in both people was found to be hyponatremic dehydration, also known as low sodium levels.
To fully recover from CHS, a patient will need to stop consuming cannabis altogether. Assuming they do not begin consuming cannabis again, CHS patients can expect a relatively rapid and permanent recovery. Daily cannabis use and/or high doses of THC are more likely to cause CHS, but you may need a physical exam to rule out other causes. Physicians may also observe how you respond to topical capsaicin, a medication that acts much in the same way, physiologically speaking, as taking a hot shower or bath. If symptoms go untreated, patients can become severely dehydrated.
Phase 3: Full Recovery
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. If severe episodes of vomiting occur, hospitalization may be necessary to treat dehydration or stomach inflammation.