Cyclic vomiting syndrome refers to episodes of severe vomiting without any apparent cause. These episodes can stay for a few hours to days. Episodes of vomiting appear at the same time in a day.
Vomiting episodes cause symptoms of the same intensity. People of all ages can suffer from this syndrome. Children around three to seven years can suffer from cyclic vomiting syndrome. It is tough to diagnose this syndrome because vomiting itself is a symptom of different disorders.
Lifestyle changes help to prevent episodes of vomiting. Certain events can trigger vomiting episodes. You can avoid these events. Doctors can prescribe you medication including anti-nausea. They can suggest migraine therapies to reduce your symptoms.
Symptoms
Often, symptoms of this syndrome appear at the time of the morning. These symptoms include sweating before the start of vomiting and intense nausea.
If you have three or more episodes that occur again and again at the same time with the same length then you may have cyclic vomiting syndrome. You may get the symptoms of diarrhea, gagging, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and sensitivity to light during a vomiting episode.
If you notice blood in your child’s or your vomit, tell your doctor. Continued vomiting can lead to severe dehydration. It can be a threat to your life so don’t ignore this condition. If your child or you are getting the symptoms of dehydration, call your doctor.
Symptoms of dehydration include sunken cheeks or eyes, less urination, crying without tears, dry skin, and listlessness. Tell your doctor about these symptoms to get effective treatment for dehydration and cyclic vomiting syndrome.
Causes
Doctors are not sure about the exact cause of cyclic vomiting syndrome. There are some possible causes that include hormonal imbalance, genes, nervous system problems, and issues of digestion. Some factors can trigger certain vomiting bouts.
These factors are issues of sinuses, colds, hot weather, allergies, panic attacks, emotional stress, use of certain foods like caffeine, alcohol, cheese, and chocolate. Moreover, motion sickness, overeating, physical exhaustion, and menstruation can trigger vomiting.
It is important to identify certain triggers that can cause vomiting. The reason is that it helps to manage the cyclic vomiting syndrome.
Risk Factors
Association between cyclic vomiting syndrome and migraine is still unclear. Many children who suffer from cyclic vomiting syndrome have a family history of the problem of migraine. They also have migraines without a family history.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome has an association with family and personal migraine history. It is reported that chronic use of Cannabis sativa or marijuana is linked with the appearance of cyclic vomiting syndrome. Some people may use marijuana to relieve the symptoms of nausea.
Chronic use of marijuana can cause cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. It leads to continuous vomiting and the individual does not get normal intervening periods during these episodes. People with this syndrome may have frequent showers.
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome sometimes looks like cyclic vomiting syndrome. You have to stop marijuana if you want to examine yourself for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. Stop taking marijuana for seven days to two weeks.
Complications
Cyclic vomiting syndrome can lead to complications that are given below.
Dehydration
Excessive vomiting causes your body to lose an adequate amount of water immediately. There are different causes of dehydration that can be treated at the hospital.
Injury To Your Food Tube
Stomach acid sometimes works to damage the food tube. This food tube connects your stomach (esophagus) and mouth. Sometimes the esophagus starts bleeding due to severe irritation.
Tooth Decay
The acid present in the vomit can cause decay to your teeth.
Prevention
Most people know about the triggers that can lead to episodes of cyclic vomiting. If you know about the triggers of vomiting episodes, avoid these triggers. It can decrease the frequency of episodes. People feel better between these episodes.
It is important to take certain medications that your doctor has prescribed you. Your doctor may give you preventive medicines if the episode of vomiting lasts for more than one month and if you require hospitalization.
Preventive medicines include propranolol and amitriptyline. Make changes in your lifestyle. It helps you to reduce the symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome.
Get proper sleep and avoid foods that trigger vomiting like cheese, alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine. Eat low-fat snacks and small meals daily at the same time you consumed one day before.
