Marijuana has several active substances. These include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other related chemicals. Some of these substances are known to have psychoactive effects on the user when they come in contact with brain cells. These chemical substances also do have various complex effects on the body and one of such effects is Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome or CHS for short.
What is Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome?
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare condition that is characterized by repeated and severe vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. CHS is caused by repeated use of marijuana for an extended period.
CHS if left untreated can cause severe health complications as it tends to occur in people who use cannabis at least once a week. And more often in people who have been using cannabis since adolescence.
What causes cannabis hyperemesis syndrome?
Experts are still yet to unravel exactly what causes cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. While most researchers believed that genetics may play a role, others believe CHS may occur due to overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors found in your brain, digestive tract (gut), and certain cells in your body that respond to compounds in cannabis. When you use cannabis, this compound bind to cannabinoid receptors and start to slowly change how the receptors in your body respond to the cannabinoid chemicals. For example, in the digestive tract, cannabinoid chemicals can cause nausea and vomiting by making the stomach acids flow upward when it comes in contact with the receptors in the esophageal sphincter (the tight band of muscle that opens and closes to let food go from your esophagus to your stomach). It can also change the time it takes the stomach to empty. However, marijuana usually has the opposite effects of CHS when it binds with brain receptors; they tend to prevent nausea and vomiting.
What are the symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
The primary symptoms of CHS are intense and persistent nausea and vomiting. People with this condition experience extensive episodes of vomiting, which often come without signs. They may also experience abdominal pain, weight loss, dehydration, morning sickness, Fear of throwing up, Lack of appetite, dark urine, rapid breathing, and or sudden confusion. People with CHS also find themselves taking hot showers during the day, which helps reduce nausea.
There are three phases or stages of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: the prodromal phase, the hyperemetic phase, and the recovery phase. In each of these phases, people with CHS may experience slightly different symptoms:
Prodromal phase: This phase is most common among adults who’ve used marijuana since their teenage years. During this phase, the main symptoms are often early morning nausea and abdominal pain. Some people also develop a fear of vomiting. Most people keep normal eating patterns during this time. This phase may last for months or years.
Hyperemetic phase: Usually lasting 24 to 48 hours, people in this phase experience recurrent vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, weight loss, decreased food intake, and dehydration. At this stage, you may start bathing frequently. This phase may continue as long as you keep using marijuana and you’re most likely going to need medical attention during this phase.
Recovery phase: During recovery, people stop using cannabis (even in small amounts). When you are in the recovery phase, symptoms lessen and eventually fade out over time. This phase can last days or months. Symptoms often come back if the person tries marijuana again.
How is cannabis hyperemesis syndrome diagnosed?
There are no tests to diagnose CHS. As such, the healthcare provider diagnoses CHS based on the symptoms experienced. Many illnesses do have nausea and repeated vomiting as its symptoms. So do well to let your healthcare provider in about your medical history and also let them in on your marijuana use and how often you use it. Also, list any other substance you use. To rule out other possible causes of the vomiting and or nausea, your healthcare provider may also need to carry out a physical exam or book you for a more extensive test. These tests might include Blood tests, Tests for electrolytes, Tests for pancreas and liver enzymes, Pregnancy tests, Urine analysis, Drug screen, X-rays of the belly, endoscopy, CT scan, and MRI.
It is important to note that not all healthcare providers know about CIS. The reason is that it is a new medical condition. As such, they may confuse CHS with cyclical vomiting disorder. So, therefore, you may need to see a gastroenterologist for a proper examination.
How can I cure cannabis hyperemesis syndrome?
There’s no specific cure for CHS. The only proven way to cure cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is to avoid cannabis and its related products in its entirety. You may have symptoms and side effects of CHS for a few weeks after quitting cannabis. But they usually fade over time.
Though during the hyperemetic phase, you may be requested to stay in the hospital for a while, you may also resort to the use of home remedies such as hot baths to relieve CHS symptoms immediately after quitting cannabis. But taking too many hot baths can increase dehydration due to sweating. As such, they are not always effective long-term. You might need treatments like:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids for dehydration
- Medicines to help lessen vomiting
- Proton-pump inhibitors for stomach inflammation.
- Pain reliever
- AntihistaminesÂ
- Antipsychotic medicationsÂ
- Capsaicin cream
To fully get better, you need to stop using marijuana altogether. If you need help quitting cannabis, you should speak to your healthcare provider or get in touch with a rehabilitation center or any local certified psychologist.
What Are the Health Complications of CHS?
Research about the long-term effects of CHS is ongoing. However, recurrent vomiting can lead to health complications, such as:
- Dehydration.
- Esophagitis (inflammation in your esophagus).
- Malnutrition.
- Mallory-Weiss syndrome (tears in your esophagus).
- Tooth decay.
- Muscle weakness
- Shock
- Heart rhythm abnormalities
- Seizure
- Hypokalemia (Low potassium)
- Hypophosphatemia (Low levels of phosphorous in the blood)
- Pneumomediastinum (Air trapped in the chest cavity between the lungs)
- Aspiration pneumonia (vomit getting into the lungs or airway). This can lead to choking.
- Electrolyte problems in your blood
Conclusion
CHS is more than just a side effect of marijuana. It is a condition that can lead to health complications if left untreated. Experts only recently discovered CHS as a medical condition. And so far, it’s known to affect only a small number of heavy marijuana users. So the possibility of being misdiagnosed isn’t overridden.
The aforementioned symptoms of CHS may take several years to develop. You can prevent it by not using marijuana or any of its infused products. And also do well to inform your doctor early if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned.
