If you identify among those who have been using cannabis at least once a day for ten years or more, you are at risk. If this use began in your early adolescence, the risk increases. For instance, cannabinoids influence the body’s smooth muscle structures. Usually, cannabis relaxes the smooth muscle to reduce intestinal or digestive cramps. In some rare cases, the cannabinoids will affect the esophageal sphincter through which food flows from the esophagus to the stomach.
- But a 2019 study concluded that it potentially accounts for up to 6 percent of emergency room visits for recurrent vomiting.
- But they can also flare back up again if the patient returns to regular cannabis use.
- If you are worried about your marijuana use, it’s time to reach out for help.
- In the state of Indiana, if anyone under the age of 18 dies, the death requires investigation as a homicide.
- Reusing cannabis again often leads to a reoccurrence of CHS.
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After all, cannabis usually helps people feel less nauseous. But there are a number of theories about why cannabis could lead to CHS. When first discovered in 2004, the condition was considered rare. But over the next decade, more cases of CHS started to show up in the medical literature. The doctor decided that Brian needed to be at a children’s hospital to receive specialized care. They agreed with the CHS diagnosis and ordered monitoring of his levels, which improved with the rehydration again.
Preventing cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
We had never heard of marijuana causing nausea or vomiting and were only familiar with its various health benefits, so we did not believe that CHS was what Brian had. This dehydration can lead to a type of kidney failure that experts refer to as cannabinoid hyperemesis acute https://ecosoberhouse.com/ renal failure, and in severe cases, it can even result in death. The reason why I know so much about this is that it happened to my son. CHS accounted for 6% of the cases among individuals who sought emergency room care due to vomiting. Alternative therapies like acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and aromatherapy have been suggested as potential treatments for CHS.
Diagnosis and Tests
It’s a condition that can lead to serious health complications if you don’t get treatment for it. At this time, the only known way to cure CHS is by quitting cannabis. Stopping cannabis use is the only known way to permanently get rid of CHS.
These chemical properties bind to neuroreceptors throughout the brain and body. They account for most of the expected cannabis experiences for medicinal or recreational aims. 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. One of the hallmark features of CHS is that hot showers typically relieve the symptoms.
How do you treat cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
- CVS is actually a type of migraine condition that usually appears during infancy or childhood and develops into more classic migraine symptoms later on.
- The best known include THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol).
- These cases highlight the importance of finding better ways to distinguish CHS from other conditions that manifest in similar ways.
- Interestingly, individuals with CHS often experience temporary relief from their symptoms by taking hot showers or baths, which can be a distinguishing feature of the syndrome.
- Treatment involves stopping cannabis use and symptom management.
Symptoms of CHS typically come on several years after the start of chronic marijuana use. But not everyone who uses marijuana long-term experiences CHS. It’s still do i have chs not clear which of the more than 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis are responsible for CHS, but it’s thought that CBD could potentially be a contributor. Even cannabis products that don’t contain THC have the potential to cause or worsen CHS.
Brian Smith died of dehydration after struggling with CHS for months
When you do this, your symptoms usually start to go away in few days to a few months. Over time, the symptoms will go away completely unless you start to use again. One 2018 study found that 32.9% of self-reported frequent marijuana users Twelve-step program who’d gone to the emergency room (ER) had symptoms of CHS. And a 2022 Canadian study found that ER visits for CHS-related problems had increased 13-fold between 2014 and 2021. (Recreational use and sale of cannabis in Canada was legalized starting in 2018).
What are the possible complications of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
- Despite her struggle with CHS, Moon hasn’t left the marijuana industry.
- Once you finish the “Do I Have CHS Quiz,” click the “submit” button and patiently wait for your results.
- At this time, the only known way to cure CHS is by quitting cannabis.
- In severe cases of CHS, intravenous fluids may be necessary to prevent dehydration.
- People suffering CHS often self-medicate with over-the-counter antacids, but some increase their cannabis use, thinking it will remedy the problem.
The prodromal phase can last for months, or even years in some cases. Symptoms are most common in early middle-aged adults who have used cannabis regularly since adolescence. It’s a serious medical problem that can cause major health issues if you leave it untreated. If you have any symptoms of severe dehydration, like dizziness, confusion and a rapid heartbeat, call 911 right away. CHS symptoms typically present in a cyclical pattern every few weeks to months when cannabis is being used. The problems usually go away when cannabis use is stopped.
