SMA syndrome often arises due to recurrent bouts of emesis that trigger rapid weight loss; in the case presented here, the recurrent emesis was prompted by cannabis consumption. Emesis in SMA syndrome is prolonged, even with cessation of drug use, due to duodenum blockage. The continuation of nausea and emesis exhibited in this case showcases the complications arising from cyclical vomiting that often go misdiagnosed without new symptom development, which exacerbates existing gastrointestinal distress. If you have cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), the best treatment is to stop using weed, even if you’ve been doing it for years with no previous side effects. Once you do that, your repeated nausea and vomiting should go away and not return.

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They may also prescribe antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol (Haldol) or olanzapine (Zyprexa) to help you calm down as https://ecosoberhouse.com/ you switch to the recovery phase. Researchers aren’t sure exactly why weed causes CHS symptoms only in some people. At this time, the only known way to cure CHS is by quitting cannabis.

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For our patient who had previously used cannabis, most of these were ruled out in the initial diagnostic evaluation through laboratory evaluation and imaging. This report recounts the case of an adolescent girl with symptoms similar to those of her previous episodes of tetrahydrocannabinol-induced hyperemesis, despite a 21-kg weight loss over 6 months. She sought care at multiple facilities until finally being diagnosed with superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Treatment was conservative with intravenous hydration, nasogastric feeding, and gastric decompression until duodenal compression was relieved. The patient’s condition had improved at 7-month follow-up, and she declined surgical consultation.

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The same factors apply to clinicians, specialists, nurses, and pharmacists, as well as other healthcare personnel, to consider the diagnosis in any chronic cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome vomiting disorder, and to better inform themselves regarding the condition. They should also have the freedom and empowerment to speak up to other team members if they feel that this may be getting overlooked in the diagnostic picture. Since the only treatment is the removal of the offending agent, accurate diagnosis is the only portal to actual management.

• When you use weed, these compounds bind to cannabinoid receptors found in your brain, digestive tract (gut), and certain cells in your body.
• Cognitive errors are pervasive in medical practice – influencing clinical decision-making and thereby disease management.
• At a gastroenterology consultation 7 months after discharge, she had improvement of symptoms, although early satiety remained.

You may have symptoms and side effects of CHS for a few weeks after quitting cannabis. The fundamental and definitive treatment for CHS involves ceasing cannabis consumption. Patients must be informed that habitual cannabis use can result in cannabinoid accumulation in adipose tissue, leading to prolonged or recurrent symptoms that may take weeks to completely resolve. Preventing a recurrence necessitates complete abstinence to facilitate recovery. Cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant and bind to cannabinoid receptors found in our brains, gastrointestinal tracts and immune cells.