A Systematic Review on Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome and Its Management Options PMC

These three cases demonstrate the importance of recognizing CHS as a potential cause or contributing factor to death in cannabinoid user. Only 2 RCTs have investigated topical capsaicin and haloperidol use in patients with CHS 22, 32. Three retrospective studies were short-term, with small sample sizes, without a standardized reporting of outcomes and subject to the risk of bias found in Tables ​Tables33 and ​and44 24, 25, 28. Conclusions made were limited due to the low-quality of available evidence. Additionally, some of the statistically significant studies did not measure symptom relief, instead looked at the reduced LOS in hospitals 23, 24, 25, 28, 31.

Management of CHS

But it’s also important to acknowledge the positive uses of marijuana, Camilleri said. He noted a 72-year-old patient who uses cannabis to help her sleep. Other theories behind rising cases include the widespread legalization and cultural acceptance of cannabis, as well as the higher tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in modern marijuana, experts told the NewsHour.

Understanding Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome

While synthetic cannabinoids have been accepted as one of the main drugs to relieve N/V, their dosage and duration of administration have not been thoroughly investigated long term. This systematic review alerts the possible outcomes of cannabis use and explores the available management options of CHS. The focus of this review is to stress the importance of rapid recognition, diagnosis, and the available treatment cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome options in adults and older populations.

Medical

Right now, the only known effective treatment for CHS is to stop using cannabis. There is also a belief that marijuana may help in opioid addiction recovery, and researchers are publishing new studies all the time, highlighting many other potential benefits. The emotional and physical toll of CHS has been devastating to some, as many sufferers were misdiagnosed and made many visits to the emergency room as a result. There were several people in and out of the house during this time, including police, firefighters, EMTs, and detectives. In the state of Indiana, if anyone under the age of 18 dies, the death requires investigation as a homicide. He was not a daily smoker, and he had been smoking on and off for about 3 years before he developed symptoms.

It is unclear, however, if this was https://ecosoberhouse.com/ due to an increase in cannabis use or an increase in cannabis use reporting due to the increased acceptance and legalization of cannabis. Schreck et al.62 determined that the rate of reporting in France is similar to that reported in international literature. These studies only provide estimates, and rely on accurate diagnosis and disclosure of cannabis use; therefore, they are likely underestimations of the actual prevalence. Indeed, Habboushe et al.64 acknowledge the limitations of their estimation and conclude that CHS is much more prevalent than is recognized in society. Prevalence cannot accurately be determined until accurate diagnosis and classification are agreed upon.

Experts aren’t 100% sure what’s behind the relatively sudden advent of this condition. They suspect that more potent cannabis may be to blame, along with several states’ decision to legalize the drug for medicinal purposes or altogether. Denney remained unconvinced, thinking the specialist was too quick to accept the emergency room doctor’s diagnosis without doing any confirmatory testing. Although neither Denney nor Brian accepted the diagnosis completely, she urged him to consider not smoking as a process of elimination. The job provided enough money to support his marijuana habit, another reason Denney felt there was no reason for her to intervene.

History

Although it was considered to be rare, the number of cases has increased with the legalization of marijuana in many places and the opening of retail stores to easily get it. This has increased both the number of people using the drug and the “high” in the available weed. 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. 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.

• Even cannabis products that don’t contain THC have the potential to cause or worsen CHS.
• The doctors told Regina Denney and her son Brian Smith Jr. what was causing his severe vomiting and abdominal pain.
• Furthermore, it was only categorized as a functional gastrointestinal disease in 2016 14.
• While waiting for answers, she noticed an educational pamphlet on cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a little-known illness characterized by an onset of intense vomiting.

If you have CHS and don’t stop using, your symptoms like nausea and vomiting are likely to come back. They may also prescribe antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol (Haldol) or olanzapine (Zyprexa) to help you calm down as you switch to the recovery phase. If you have symptoms, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask for your detailed medical history. Let your doctor know how much marijuana you use and how often you use it.

Examples of cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Many people experience temporary relief from their nausea and vomiting when bathing in hot water. Some people with CHS may compulsively bathe in hot water for hours a day to find relief. One theory behind CHS is that chronic overstimulation of the body’s endocannabinoid receptors leads to your body not being able to control nausea and vomiting. When you do this, your symptoms usually start to go away in few days to a few months.

Because he died at home, detectives had to investigate, and the coroner prepared a report. A study this year in the Journal of Forensic Science described two people in Canada who died from CHS and a third for whom the condition contributed to death. Many of Lapoint’s patients returned time after time when the next bout hit, seeking relief from their stomach woes. Symptoms of CHS typically come on several years after the start of chronic marijuana use. It’s a condition that can lead to serious health complications if you don’t get treatment for it. If you need help quitting cannabis, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a 24/7 helpline in English and Spanish.