What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome? Heres what to know, and why experts say its on the rise

Here’s what researchers are unraveling about this curious condition. When people are sick, they can also sweat and just not feel right. The throwing up can be bad and can cause you to be low on body water.

chs syndrome

What are the Signs and Symptoms of CHS?

  • Some people with CHS may compulsively bathe in hot water for hours a day to find relief.
  • This has contributed to misunderstanding, inadequate treatment, and undue fear surrounding cannabis use.
  • However, many experts consider these treatments to be ineffective for managing nausea and vomiting in people with CHS.
  • He noted a 72-year-old patient who uses cannabis to help her sleep.

Abnormal cytotoxic lymphocyte cytotoxicity is responsible for pathogenesis 9. In the other form, loss-of-function mutations in the RAB27A, LYST, and AP3B1 genes, cause problems in the structure of the cytotoxic granules or transport of the granules through the cytoplasm. These diseases are also cause genetic HLH and are known as Griscelli syndrome type 2 (GS2) 10, Chediak–Higashi syndrome (CHS) 11 and Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome type 2 12, respectively.

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chs syndrome

One possible explanation for this is called “gate control theory,” which postulates that to some extent, the brain can regulate how much pain it perceives. 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.

D’Souza speculates that it may have to do with some people’s endocannabinoid systems. These usually happen for 3 to 4 days but can last as long as 1 week in bad cases. Patients with CVS also have times where they are feeling sick to the stomach and can also throw up for between 12 hours to about a week. This can happen when you are stressed, excited, have an infection or when women have their period. CBD is not thought to interact the same way as THC to cause a CHS episode, and many consumers find symptom relief when using CBD. However, it is best to consult with your doctor first before introducing CBD.

Can CBD products without THC cause cannabis hyperemesis syndrome?

  • Some receptors may become more active, while others can shut down.
  • Medical marijuana has long been prescribed for nausea and appetite loss for people with cancer and HIV/AIDS, and the Food and Drug Administration has approved drugs with synthetic THC for use by chemotherapy patients.
  • As long as you don’t use marijuana, your symptoms shouldn’t return.

As CHS is a newly described condition, many doctors may find it challenging to diagnose and treat. Researchers have tried to explain what causes CHS, but further study is necessary. It’s still 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 https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a contributor. After stopping cannabis use, symptoms generally resolve within days or months.

chs syndrome

Scientists do not know much about the function of the CB2 receptors. He also warned that people with serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, should be cautious about marijuana use, as studies show cannabis can exacerbate the effects of Drug rehabilitation those illnesses. Camilleri also said that cannabis use is positively correlated with anxiety and depression, and noted that doctors should treat the whole patient and not just the disorder. “There is evidence that if you send a message to the brain that competes with the message that’s causing the nausea, vomiting, that you can suppress it,” Camilleri said.

Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): What You Need to Know

Splanchnic vasodilation – THC alters blood flow, potentially contributing to nausea and abdominal pain. In two case reports, doctors used lorazepam (Ativan) to manage CHS-related nausea and vomiting. However, many experts consider these treatments to be ineffective for managing nausea and vomiting in people with CHS. Although this information comes from case reports, doctors can use these criteria to diagnose the condition more quickly.

Anxiety or PTSD-Related Nausea – Stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms often mistaken for CHS. Researchers have identified two receptors called CB1 and CB2 to which marijuana molecules attach. Receptors are specialized cells that respond to specific stimuli or changes in the environment.

Full recovery, marked by the complete absence of CHS symptoms, can take several weeks or even months after stopping cannabis use. When it comes to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) treatment, it’s essential to differentiate between controlling the symptoms and treating the actual condition. While various approaches can help manage the symptoms, the only known cure for CHS is to stop using cannabis. The profuse vomiting and potential dehydration inherent in CHS often mandate intravenous fluids administration to correct electrolyte imbalances and sustain hydration levels. Adequate fluid resuscitation is crucial during the acute phase of CHS to avert complications and ensure physiological stability. This page provides a comprehensive, evidence-based perspective on CHS, distinguishing it from other conditions and outlining a more effective, patient-centered approach to management.

Care at Cleveland Clinic

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. There’s no cure for this syndrome, with the only known, surefire treatment being abstinence from marijuana. “I basically spent that week laying in bed and just sipping slowly on water or sipping slowly on my Pedialyte, trying to get as much electrolytes and nutrition as I could,” recalled Brittany, 27, who today is sober. She asked to be identified only by her first name for fear of how future employers may view her history of marijuana use. In the first phase of CHS (the prodromal phase), you don’t vomit. Symptoms of CHS typically come on several years after the start of chronic marijuana use.

This behavior stands out as a prevalent diagnostic hallmark of CHS. While not exclusive to individuals with CHS, the act of hot bathing or showering manifests in approximately 80-90% of patients with this condition. TRPV1 receptor overstimulation – THC activates the same receptors as capsaicin, explaining the relief from hot showers.

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