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The hidden crisis of marijuana users: What is the truth about excessive nausea syndrome?
With the legalization and popularization of marijuana use, Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) has gradually become an issue that cannot be ignored. This is a symptom caused by long-term, high-dose marijuana use, characterized by recurrent nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, and in many patients it is a secret struggle that lasts for months or even years. The cause of this disease is still unclear, but lack of knowledge often leads to misunderstandings about it.
CHS symptoms include persistent nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain, a combination of which occur in conjunction with chronic marijuana use.
Symptoms and stages of excessive nausea syndrome
CHS is usually divided into three stages: prodromal phase, excessive nausea phase, and recovery phase.
Prodromal phase
During this stage, symptoms are mild and include mild nausea, anxiety and fear related to vomiting, and mild abdominal discomfort. These symptoms may become more intense in the morning, and some patients may still try to relieve the discomfort by using cannabis again during this phase.
Excessive nausea period
After entering the excessive nausea phase, the patient will experience severe nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Due to frequent vomiting, many patients have to seek medical treatment. They also tend to soak in hot water for long periods of time to seek short-term relief, a behavior often cited as a diagnostic indicator.
Recovery period
Recovery begins once the patient stops using cannabis, but the time it takes for symptoms to disappear varies, usually taking anywhere from two weeks to several months. If the patient uses marijuana again at this time, the symptoms will often recur, forming a vicious cycle.
Research on the disease suggests that many people are reluctant to disclose their marijuana use to health professionals due to shame or fear.
Diagnosis and treatment of CHS
The criteria for diagnosing CHS were formalized in 2016 through the Rome IV criteria. The diagnosis must meet the following three conditions:
- Repeated vomiting, similar to cyclic vomiting
- Timing of symptom onset linked to long-term marijuana use
- Symptom relief can be achieved after cessation of marijuana use
Treatment methods
Currently the only available treatment is to stop using cannabis. Treatment provided by medical staff is primarily supportive and focuses on the management of complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. A hot bath or long, hot shower not only provides temporary relief but is also an aid in diagnosis. In addition, some doctors may consider using topical capsaicin cream to relieve symptoms, but further research is needed to confirm its therapeutic effectiveness.
Frequent hot showers are considered a possible diagnostic indicator of CHS, and many patients experience temporary relief from these showers.
Social and cultural impacts
Despite growing social acceptance of marijuana use, CHS remains relatively unknown. Many health care professionals expressed surprise when they were introduced to the condition, as cannabis is often used to relieve nausea. In the community, the awareness of CHS is still relatively low, which often makes patients feel lonely and helpless.
As cannabis use becomes more prevalent in the future, awareness and research into excessive nausea syndrome will become increasingly important. Can people get rid of the shadow of this symptom and find an effective solution?
