We often think of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) as a rare disease, but is this really the truth? According to a recent article from New Castle News, this is not the case. Dr. Roach, who takes on and answers medical questions, spoke on the case of a 40-year-old woman who suffered from severe vomiting issues.
Dr. Roach: Exploring CVS
According to the original question, the woman was not diagnosed with CVS until a month had passed, filled with numerous 911 calls and emergency room visits. Additionally, she was judged by medical professionals, as they assumed her symptoms were due to binge drinking or a similar cause. The question asks Dr. Roach if there’s a way to spread awareness about CVS so that EMTs, doctors, and other healthcare professionals (HCPs) are more prepared and less judgmental for patients with this condition.
According to Dr. Roach, these people should definitely be made aware of CVS, and it is not even a rare disease! Around 2% of the population qualify as having CVS, with the average patient experiencing four episodes every year. These affected individuals typically discover – through their own actions, in most cases – that a hot bath or shower can alleviate symptoms. Patients usually find this through their own volition, as doctors are unaware of the condition entirely.
Dr. Roach does note that even if an HCP has no idea what is causing a patient’s symptoms, they should keep their suspicions and judgments to themselves and never let them impact a patient or anyone else involved.
He also speaks to the possible causes and triggers of CVS. Cannabis is one, alongside dietary triggers like MSG, chocolate, and cheese. Other triggers include emotional distress, fasting, and heavy activity. It is recommended that affected individuals keep a diary of their habits and symptoms in an effort to discover their personal triggers.
Lastly, Dr. Roach moves to treatments. He notes that there are therapies for CVS, both preventative and to stop current attacks. Medications like sumatriptan – which was created to treat migraines – can treat those with mild cases as well.
About CVS
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a rare condition that can affect all ages. It causes episodes of severe vomiting, which have the potential to last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The cause of this condition is unknown. There are some triggers that have been found to cause episodes, including colds, allergies, sinus problems, emotional stress, excitement, certain foods, overeating, eating right before bed, hot weather, physical exhaustion, and menstruation. This syndrome also links to other things, such as migraines and the chronic use of marijuana.
Episodes of vomiting are the main symptom of this condition, which are severe fits of vomiting that occurs multiple times in an hour. Other symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, dizziness, and sensitivity to light. These symptoms will only appear during an episode.
A diagnosis is difficult to obtain, as vomiting is a symptom of many common illnesses. In order to confirm a diagnosis of CVS, other conditions must be ruled out. Tests used to accomplish this are imaging studies, motility tests, lab tests that check for thyroid problems, and MRIs to check for neurological abnormalities. There is no cure for CVS; treatment is symptomatic. People may take anti-nausea drugs, sedatives, anti-depressants, and medications that suppress stomach acid. Migraine medications may also be helpful, as can lifestyle changes. If a trigger of an episode is identified, it is important to avoid that trigger. It is also important to remain hydrated, as dehydration is common after severe vomiting.
