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Cyclic vomiting syndrome, or CVS, is a condition where a person experiences repeated episodes of severe nausea and vomiting without any known cause. These episodes last from a few hours to several days but typically occur at the same time of day and for a similar duration. A person may experience no symptoms of CVS in between these episodes.
Since we still don’t know what causes CVS, there is no cure. But we do have management strategies for CVS symptoms likenausea and vomiting.
Untreated CVS can lead to severe complications likedehydration and damage to the upper digestive tract. Areport shows that CVS is a common condition, affecting 2% of the population in America. CVS is also more common in children and adult women than in men.
Cyclic vomiting Syndrome is recurrent episodes of nausea and vomiting without any apparent cause. While these episodes aremore frequent in children, adults experience these for longer duration.
The symptoms for CVS don’t appear all at once. Rather, a person experiences different symptoms based on the stage or phase for each CVS episode.
Here are four phases of CVS and the symptoms you may experience during that time:
This phase, which refers to the early signs or symptoms that appear before the main illness, happens before the vomiting starts. The prodrome phase can last for a few minutes to several hours. In some cases, medications during this phasecan stop the episode of CVS.
Thesymptoms you may experience during this phase include:
Abdominal pain
Anorexia
Lethargy
Pale skin
Sweating
Salivation
The vomiting or acute phase begins when you vomit for the first time after the prodromal phase. You may vomit several times an hour, and this may continue for a few days.
Reports show that the average duration for the symptoms of the vomiting phase is 3.4 days in children and 5.9 days in adults. Patients usually seek medical attention during this phase.
You may experience the followingsymptoms during a vomiting phase of CVS:
Persistent Nausea
Vomiting
Pale skin
Fever
Drooling
Abdominal Pain
Retching — failed attempt to vomit
The recovery phase of CVS is when vomiting stops. The symptoms start to subside, energy levels increase and the overall condition of the individual improves. Appetite returns which indicates the episode is over.
The remission phase or symptom-free phase of CVS is when a person notices no symptoms for this condition. It can last from several weeks to months before you experience another episode.
We still don’t know what causes cyclic vomiting syndrome. However, researchers suggest that the following factors may contribute to this condition:
The nervous system plays a key role in controlling the digestive system through thegut-brain axis.Evidence suggests that disruption in the nerve signals along this axis might trigger CVS episodes.
Additionally, the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary actions like vomiting and digestion, is also believed to beassociated with CVS episodes. A problem in the autonomic nervous system can potentially cause repeated vomiting episodes like those in CVS.
There is a strong connection betweenmigraines and CVS.Reportsshow that more than 80% of people with CVS have a family history of migraines or have migraines themselves.
Migraines and CVS may be triggered by similar factors, such as stress or certain foods. This association is the reasonresearchers suggest that CVS may be a type of migraine that affects the gut rather than the head.
Reports show that mutations in mitochondrial DNA may also be associated with cyclic vomiting syndrome. Tissues like muscles and nerves have a very high energy demand, and mitochondria are responsible for producing this energy.
Mutations in mitochondria may result in inadequate energy supply which mayaffect the autonomic nervous system, especially when stressed. This lack of energy may disrupt nerve function and contribute to CVS episodes.
While the precise cause of cyclic vomiting syndrome is not known, certain factors trigger episodes in most people. Theseinclude:
Anxiety or panic attacks, especially in adults
Physical exhaustion
Infections, such as colds, flu, or chronic sinusitis
Intense excitement, especially in children
Motion sickness
Menstrual periods
Extreme temperatures
It is important to remember that the triggers can vary from person to person. So, to identify what triggers CVS in your case, it's important to keep a record of the factors that initiate or worsen your symptoms.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome is not classified as a mental disorder, but it is strongly associated with psychological health.Studies show that people with CVS may experience higher rates of anxiety, panic attacks, and depression compared to the general population.
Reports also show that psychological stress and emotional triggers can initiate the episodes of CVS and worsen the symptoms.
While CVS is mainly considered a physical disorder, treatment generally focuses on both the physical and psychological aspects.Studies show that managing the psychological health of people with CVS by reducing stress and anxiety can help control symptoms.
You can’t stop cyclic vomiting syndrome completely but you can lower the frequency and severity of episodes. In some children, the conditiongoes away on its own as they grow.
In other cases, different medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary modifications can help manage the condition.
The exact treatment plan, including the type of medications, depends on the individual person and the phase of the CVS. Here is what your doctor may prescribe you depending on the phase and your overall condition:
During theprodrome phase, medicines like anti-nausea drugs, anti-anxiety medications, and anti-migraine treatmentscan help stop an episode before it starts. Doctors also prescribeacid-lowering drugs in this phase. This is because lowering the stomach acid can reduce the severity of symptoms if vomiting begins.
When thevomiting begins, the same medications as in the prodrome phase are prescribed to reduce the severity and frequency of vomiting. But physicians also administer IV fluids to deal with dehydration caused by repeated vomiting.
The recovery phase management usually focuses on maintaining fluid levels in the body. If a person cannot eat or drink, IV fluids are given to prevent dehydration. If a person can eat and drink, a hydrating diet is recommended to help the body recover. Medications to prevent future episodes also continue during this phase.
Since a person experiences no symptoms during the symptoms-free phase, medications to manage symptoms like anti-nausea drugs are discontinued. However, doctors recommendcertain medications and dietary supplements to prevent future episodes like coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine.
Lifestyle changes can help manage cyclic vomiting syndrome by reducing its triggers. Start by identifying and avoiding factors like stress, certain foods, or lack of sleep.
Aim for quality sleep each night, as good rest helps inimproving psychological health.
Managing stress is equally important since stress can lead to anxiety and depression, increasing the risk of CVS episodes. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help relieve stress.
Staying physically active is beneficial but stay moderate as over-straining can exhaust your body and trigger symptoms.
Dietary modifications are not only important after the episodes of CVS to boost recovery but can also help you prevent future episodes. In between the two episodes, you should focus on incorporating nutrients and energy-rich foods into your diet.
Here are some good food choices for people with CVS:
Foods like plain rice, white pasta, applesauce, and mashed potatoes are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. They provide energy without putting much strain on the digestive system. Suchsimple carbohydrates are often recommended soon after episodes of vomiting.
Eating these foods can help stabilize energy levels when you’re recovering from CVS symptoms.
Vomiting causes the body to lose fluids, leading to dehydration, which can worsen symptoms. Hydrating foods like clear broths can help you fulfill the water requirements of the body and obtain nutrients. You can also take fruit juices, caffeine-free drinks, and oral rehydration solutions to balance the electrolyte loss during the vomiting phase.
Canned fruits, like peaches and pears in natural juice, are soft and easy to eat, making them an excellent food choice for energy during the recovery phase of CVS. These fruits also have a higher water content, which helps with hydration. Additionally, canned fruits provide you with nutrition without putting stress on the digestive system – unlike raw fruits.
Low-fat proteins or lean proteins provide essential proteins that helprepair the body’s tissues. Low-fat options are easier to digest and less likely to trigger nausea. They also haveantioxidant properties that may help against infections in the body, which are among the triggers for CVS.
Foods that trigger the episodes of CVS or worsen the symptoms can vary from person to person. This is why it is important to identify and avoid foods that act as a trigger of CVS for you.Reports show that the following foods can trigger the CVS symptoms:
Processed meat
Caffeine
Chocolate
Cheese
Foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Alcohol
The exact reason why these foods trigger CVS episodes is not clear. A possible explanation is that most of thesefoods tend to trigger migraines. Since there is a strongassociation between migraines and CVS, it may be that these foods use a similar mechanism to trigger CVS episodes.
Superfood powders can be a great option for people with cyclic vomiting syndrome, especially during the recovery phase and in between the episodes. These powders are easy to consume and also help with hydration since they can be mixed with water or smoothies. They provide essential nutrients from foods that may be hard to eat during an episode of CVS, such as fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
However, It is a good idea to consult your doctor before incorporating superfood powders into your diet. If you find it useful for your case, we recommend you useOrganic Greens Powder Superfood which is a plant-based third-party tested superfood powder. It is a convenient and reliable way to obtain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from fruits and vegetables.
1. How long can you live with cyclic vomiting syndrome?
Cyclic vomiting syndrome can significantly impact your quality of life but there is no evidence that this condition reduces life expectancy. People with CVS usually live a normal life between episodes. They can also lower the frequency and severity of episodes through proper treatment and diet.
2. Does cyclic vomiting syndrome qualify for disability?
Severe episodes of CVS can leave a person bedridden, making it hard to perform daily tasks. This is why certain locations classify this condition as disability and offer people with CVS disability benefits.
3. Do drugs like marijuana cause cyclic vomiting syndrome?
Using marijuana can potentially cause a condition known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), which shares similar symptoms to CVS. CHS causes repeated episodes of severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea in some individuals who use marijuana regularly.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder in which a person experiences repeated episodes of nausea and vomiting for no known causes. These episodes can last from hours to days, followed by a symptom-free period.
CVS has a strong association with psychological health as emotional stress, anxiety, and depression can trigger CVS episodes.
Management of this condition primarily includes medications to stop an episode during the initial phase and to prevent future episodes. Dietary modifications also play a significant role in reducing the severity of symptoms during episodes and promoting recovery afterward.