Abstract:We report the case of a 30-year-old female with a history of cannabis use from 16 years of age. The patient presented to the Gastroenterology Clinic due to cyclical epigastric pain associated with postprandial stomach heaviness, nausea and vomiting. She was admitted due to a worsening of her condition, which prevented her from leading a normal life.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a paradoxical condition in which a long-term cannabis user suffers an episode of intractable vomiting that may last days separated by longer asymptomatic periods of weeks or months. Cannabinoids are often utilized for their antiemetic properties, so CHS can be a puzzling condition, and the diagnosis of CHS may be disputed by patients. Unlike other cyclic vomiting syndromes, CHS can be relieved by hot showers or topical capsaicin. Abstinence from cannabinoids causes CHS to resolve, sometimes in a matter of days or hours. Marijuana users as well as many clinicians are not aware of CHS, and patients may undergo unnecessary tests, scans, and other procedures to get an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms may be severe enough to require hospitalization. With liberalization of marijuana laws and favorable public opinion about the healing properties of cannabis, CHS may be more frequently observed in clinical practice.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a paradoxical condition in which a long-term cannabis user suffers an episode of intractable vomiting that may last days separated by longer asymptomatic periods of weeks or months. Cannabinoids are often utilized for their antiemetic properties, so CHS can be a puzzling condition, and the diagnosis of CHS may be disputed by patients. Unlike other cyclic vomiting syndromes, CHS can be relieved by hot showers or topical capsaicin. Abstinence from cannabinoids causes CHS to resolve, sometimes in a matter of days or hours. Marijuana users as well as many clinicians are not aware of CHS, and patients may undergo unnecessary tests, scans, and other procedures to get an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms may be severe enough to require hospitalization. With liberalization of marijuana laws and favorable public opinion about the healing properties of cannabis, CHS may be more frequently observed in clinical practice.
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