Some people also report weight loss, dehydration, and fatigue due to the relentless nature of the vomiting. A unique and highly specific symptom of CHS is the urge to take hot showers or baths, sometimes multiple times a day, which seems to temporarily relieve the discomfort. This behavior is so common among those Sober living house with CHS that it’s considered one of the clearest indicators of the condition. While these symptoms might mimic other gastrointestinal disorders, their connection to long-term cannabis use is the critical clue. Diagnosing CHS can be challenging because its symptoms mimic those of other gastrointestinal disorders, such as cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) or gastritis.
Why does CHS happen?
Additionally, since vomiting leads to dehydration, sipping small amounts of water or https://ecosoberhouse.com/ electrolyte-rich drinks can help prevent complications. If you’ve ever used marijuana, you probably know that it can make you hungry. The “munchies” are a common side effect of marijuana, making people hungry and crave sweet treats or savory foods. This might be because you have used it for many years without having any problems, but CHS can take several years to develop.
Do hot baths work to alleviate CHS?
But science hasn’t pinned down an exact formula that says, “X amount of cannabis over Y years always leads to CHS.” Instead, it’s more like a storm of factors that eventually converge. Unfortunately, until doctors uncovered CHS, many patients felt baffled by their symptoms. Now that this condition is better recognized, sharing a full history of marijuana use with medical providers is vital. Recovery from Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) requires complete cessation of cannabis use, and recovery times can vary significantly depending on the individual. Marijuana overdose might not be fatal, but it’s definitely not harmless.
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Your body is remarkably resilient and will find its balance again with time. Symptoms that feel intolerable during the first week typically improve significantly by week two and continue fading from there. Karen gained expertise in developing training programs and technical documentation as a Senior Editor at Cisco Systems.
CHS is a condition caused by chronic, long-term cannabis use that leads to severe nausea, repeated vomiting, and abdominal pain. The condition develops over time and progresses through three distinct stages, each with its own symptoms and challenges. The prodromal phase is the initial stage, lasting anywhere from months to years. During this phase, individuals may experience morning nausea, occasional abdominal discomfort, and an unusual reliance on cannabis as a means to relieve these symptoms.
- This similarity could be the reason why CHS tends to respond well to benzodiazepines, especially during these acute episodes.
- Cannabis has many active ingredients, including tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.
- This was demonstrated in a study by McCallum et al., where male participants were given either marijuana or a placebo before undergoing a radionuclide gastric emptying test 53.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Prevention
Overstimulation of cannabinoid receptors, especially with frequent cannabis consumption, appears to play a key role 6. For those experiencing severe CHS symptoms, medical treatment may be necessary. This often involves IV fluids, anti-nausea medications, how long does it take to recover from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and nutritional counseling.