That’s because hot water can help ease cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome symptoms like nausea. The hot temperature affects a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which regulates temperature and throwing up. Changes to the endocannabinoid system in the hypothalamus from cannabinoid use could lead to a dysregulated stress response, and perhaps contribute to the development of CHS. This suggests that high doses of THC can lead to low levels of endocannabinoids within the hypothalamus, which may prevent inhibitory control of the HPA axis.
Symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
- Based on the categorization of functional disorders developed by Rome III, chronic marijuana use (CHS) is recognized as a mechanism for nausea and vomiting distinct from CVS 67.
- As previously mentioned, researchers have proposed CHS be characterized by three phases.
- It is unclear, however, if this was due to an increase in cannabis use or an increase in cannabis use reporting due to the increased acceptance and legalization of cannabis.
- Researchers say that compounds such as THC can do this because of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.
Call us today at to learn about your treatment options and to take the first step onto the road to recovery. Chronic cannabis use is the primary risk factor for developing CHS. Using cannabis for a prolonged period increases your risk of this condition. While any amount of long-term cannabis use can lead to CHS, daily cannabis use seems to be more likely to cause CHS than using it less often. After stopping cannabis use, symptoms typically start to disappear within one to two days though individual results can vary. However, symptoms almost always return if you resume using marijuana.
The importance of quitting cannabis with CHS
When combined with the fact that people may not reveal they use cannabis, getting the right diagnosis can take years. Since its symptoms are easily confused with other conditions, it can take about one to two years before people who seek medical help with CHS get an accurate diagnosis. After a 90-day break from cannabis, it may be possible to reintroduce cannabis slowly and carefully.
Risk Factors for Developing Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
Additional pharmacological research is needed regarding the pro-emetic effects of additional cannabinoids and their metabolites. Another proposed explanation is that in susceptible individuals the pro-emetic effect of cannabis on the gut (e.g. delayed gastric emptying) overrides its anti-emetic CNS properties 62. This hypothesis is supported by the demonstration of delayed gastric emptying on gastric emptying scintigraphy in some cases 6,55,62. Further research is required to investigate the gastrointestinal physiology in these patients during both the acute attacks of hyperemesis and between episodes. The hyperemetic phase of CHS typically lasts for only 24–48 hours 6, but the risk for relapse is high if the patient returns to cannabis use. Case reports have demonstrated a remission in CHS symptoms upon cessation of cannabis use for extended periods 6,51–54,57,59–62,68,71.
Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Hot Showers in CHS Symptom Management
Most people who quit using cannabis experience no more CHS symptoms within 10 days, but sometimes it may take weeks or months for symptoms to stop. Symptoms of CHS likely won’t return if you’ve completely stopped using cannabis. Researchers have only recently discovered CHS, so what are the stages of chs some doctors or healthcare professionals may not recognize the condition.
- CHS should be considered as a plausible diagnosis in the setting of patients with recurrent intractable vomiting and strong history of cannabis abuse.
- The convergence of legislative efforts, increasing prevalence, and tetrahydrocannabinol toxicity make this difficult-to-diagnose condition important to consider.
- Despite the well-established anti-emetic properties of marijuana, there is increasing evidence of its paradoxical effects on the gastrointestinal tract and CNS.
- Without knowing this background, providers often misdiagnose CHS as other conditions, like cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS).
- Notably, a hallmark behavior observed in CHS cases is the propensity for pathologic hot bathing or showering.
What Causes Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome?
It’s important to monitor for any recurrence of symptoms and consult with a healthcare provider before resuming use to ensure it’s safe. The Rome Foundation (Rome IV) has emerged as a beacon of clarity in the labyrinth of diagnosing Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), categorizing it as a variant of cyclical vomiting syndrome under the umbrella of functional gut-brain disorders. With the absence of definitive biomarkers, the diagnostic Sober living house journey for CHS predominantly revolves around the process of exclusion. Because CHS is a fairly new medical condition, not all doctors know about it.
- Patients typically discontinue hot bathing when symptoms are not present and begin it again once nausea and vomiting recur after future cannabis use.
- Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of CHS do not currently exist.
- Fast-forward one year to a discussion with my budtender who recently experienced the acute phase of the condition.
- If you need help quitting, ask your doctor whether a drug rehabilitation program is a good fit for you.
- Furthermore, heat-induced vasodilation might facilitate toxin elimination through the skin, aiding in the detoxification process and potentially contributing to symptom improvement in individuals with CHS.
