But not every person who uses marijuana, even long-term use, develops CHS. Is there any research being done on CHS as legalisation grows? Still, recent studies have opened up a new possibility—that genetics are the reason why CHS hits some cannabis consumers but not others. THC is also known for having biphasic effects, which means it can cause two opposite effects at different doses. Some have suggested that high doses might cause the anti-emetic effects to flip into a pro-emetic syndrome.
What Are Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Treatment Options?
If you are worried about your symptoms, see your doctor or go to the hospital. Researchers are continuing to examine potential treatment options for CHS. It’s thought that genetics may play a role because only a small number of people who regularly use cannabis develop CHS. Some may be finding that there can be very real — and serious — complications that come with cannabis use. As more states legalize cannabis, more people are learning whether cannabis is right for them. It tends to affect people who how to get rid of chs use cannabis at least once a week and happens more often in adults who’ve been using cannabis since their adolescent years.
How common is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
For example, the drug affects the receptors in the esophageal sphincter, the tight band of muscle that opens and closes to let food go from your throat to your stomach. If this flap doesn’t work properly, your stomach acids might flow upward and cause you to have nausea and vomiting. Marijuana has a lot of active chemical compounds called cannabinoids. When you use weed, these compounds bind to cannabinoid receptors found in your brain, digestive tract (gut), and certain cells in your body. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main cannabinoids in marijuana products. THC is what’s responsible for the “high” most people feel when they use marijuana.
- It just isn’t clear exactly why some people get CHS and others do not.
- Researchers aren’t sure exactly why weed causes CHS symptoms only in some people.
- This article will explain the causes of CHS and the available treatment options.
- But because CHS is a somewhat newly discovered condition that was first diagnosed in 2004, some people may be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Phase 1: Cessation of Cannabis Use
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. Once you know what you’re dealing with, getting rid of symptoms may simply involve stopping intake of cannabis. But with the risk of renal failure in more advanced cases of the syndrome, it is important to act quickly. If you are experiencing CHS symptoms, the best thing you can do is to stop cannabis use and seek medical care immediately.
- Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare condition that develops in people who use cannabis frequently over a period of several years.
- One study looking at Reddit posts on the subject found that spicy food, greasy food, coffee, black tea, and alcohol were frequently mentioned as CHS triggers.
- Smoking extra marijuana won’t help your nausea but will make it worse.
- First, doctors treating people with CHS advise them to stop using marijuana.
- Hot baths and showers tend to help reduce or curb the symptoms.
- Some receptors may become more active, while others can shut down.
Is acupuncture/acupressure really effective for treating CHS?
Although this information comes from case reports, doctors can use these criteria to diagnose the condition more quickly. Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of CHS do not currently exist. Some researchers have published their findings from their personal experience with the condition in clinical journals. CB1 receptors are mostly present in the brain, but they also occur in other organs. Research suggests that CB1 receptors regulate the effects of marijuana on the gastrointestinal tract. Scientists do not know much about the function of the CB2 receptors.
He was diagnosed with CHS and encouraged to discontinue marijuana. Meeting with a healthcare provider can ease the recovery process. A combination of prescribed pharmaceuticals and OTC pain relievers used as recommended can manage symptoms.1 With continued abstinence and symptom management, full recovery can follow. During this time, individuals may experience bouts of severe vomiting and nausea. Dehydration, food avoidance, and compulsive showering or bathing in hot water (which stimulates the hypothalamus to calm nausea and prevent vomiting) is common. While marijuana seems to bring on nausea in the stomach, in the brain it usually has opposite effect.
- Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare medical condition that only develops in individuals with a pattern of heavy, long-term cannabis abuse, often beginning in adolescence.
- Yes, many CHS sufferers report symptoms like mild nausea and reduced appetite being more pronounced in the morning.
- It’s a condition that can lead to serious health complications if you don’t get treatment for it.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: Care instructions
Maybe some people who have CHS don’t want to admit they could improve their lifestyle and https://ecosoberhouse.com/ try to blame other things. I’m here to say that it’s possible to smoke a lot of weed everyday and not get CHS by working and burning a lot of calories to not get CHS. This makes sense though, cuz when we sweat during excercise, all of the toxins including THC are sweated out.
CHS symptoms typically present in a cyclical pattern every few weeks to months when cannabis is being used. The only treatment that can get rid of CHS symptoms for good is to stop using cannabis completely. But there are some other treatments that may help manage your symptoms and make you feel better. Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome is a growing concern in today’s era of high-potency cannabis products.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy can also help. If you’re interested, reach out to a mental health professional like a licensed psychologist or therapist. The only way to end CHS symptoms is to completely stop using all marijuana products. After you quit, you may still have symptoms and side effects for a few days to a few weeks.
3-4 months later I could smoke without any pain, it’s now 7-8 months later and I can still smoke, even daily, without ANY issues. However, doctors exercise caution when prescribing lorazepam because it is a controlled substance with the potential for abuse and addiction. The use of lorazepam for CHS is also off-label, so a person’s doctor would need to make them aware of this fact. Results from these case studies suggest that lorazepam might be an Halfway house effective drug to control symptoms during the hyperemesis stage. As people with CHS often only consult their doctors during the hyperemesis stage, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the treatment of people during the prodromal stage.