Having the stomach flu and the symptoms that accompany it is horrible, but a person knows that, in time, the symptoms will pass and everything will be back to normal. Imagine if the flu symptoms never went away. There is an illness called Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome where a person is plagued with these symptoms for hours and sometimes even days.
What Is Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome?
Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome, or CVS, was once thought to be a pediatric syndrome characterized by cycles of nausea and vomiting that can last for hours or days with periods of symptom-free days. Episodes of CVS are very similar to one another in that they tend to occur at the same time of day, last the same amount of time, occur with the same symptoms and with the same kind of intensity.
A person that suffers from Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome could potentially vomit several times an hour, leading to loss of fluids that can be dangerous. Other symptoms of CVS include pale skin, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and an increased sensitivity to light or sound. The attacks that CVS sufferers experience can be debilitating, making it difficult for them to go to work or school.
What Are the Triggers and Risks Of Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome?
It is unknown what causes Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome, but there are several things that might trigger a sufferer into a cycle of CVS. Colds, allergies, sinus problems, emotional stress or excitement, chocolate or cheese, overeating or eating right before going to bed, hot weather or exhaustion, and menstruation are just some of the triggers that can cause a bout of CVS.
Due to the vomiting that defines CVS, it causes sufferers to run the risk of becoming dehydrated, having an electrolyte imbalance, peptic esophagitis, the esophagus gets injured due to the stomach acid that comes up as a result of the vomiting; hematemesis, the esophagus becomes so irritated that it bleeds, thus blood mixes with the vomit; Mallory-Weiss tear, the lower end of the esophagus tears or the stomach bruises as a result of the strain of retching; and tooth decay.
What Is the Treatment for Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome?
Unfortunately there is no cure for Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome. There are, however, medications and treatment plans for sufferers to follow to hopefully control and lessen bouts of CVS. Anti-nausea medications are given, as well as sedatives, acid-suppressing medicines, and hospitalization when needed if a CVS sufferer become too dehydrated. Medications often used for migraines are also used for CVS patients as well. These include tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline; triptans, such as sumatriptan and zolmatriptan; and analgesics, such as ibuprofen.
It is also advisable for Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome sufferers to avoid known dietary triggers such as cheese, chocolate, and monosodium glutamate. Stress management is also another way of managing symptoms if a sufferer knows that stress is a trigger for their CVS. People with Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome are also advised to get plenty of rest. If an episode occurs, a patient is advised to stay in a bed that is in a dark, quiet room where they can get plenty of sleep.
Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome is an incurable disease that was once thought to be a pediatric disorder but is now known to debilitate people of any age. People with this syndrome must do their best to get as much rest as possible in order to ward off the vicious cycle of the symptoms of CVS. With the aid of medications and the understanding of the syndrome, a person suffering from this syndrome might be able to learn to cope with it.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources
digestive.niddk.nih.gov "Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome" (Accessed on January 4, 2011)
ghr.nlm.nih.gov "Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome" (Accessed on January 4, 2011)
mayoclinic.com "Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome" (Accessed on January 4, 2011)
medic8.com "Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome" (Accessed on January 4, 2011)
emedicine.medscape.com "Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome: Treatment and Medication" by Thangam Venkatesan, MBBS (Accessed on January 4, 2011)
Christine Rachuy - My name is Christine Rachuy and I enjoy writing on all different subjects. I tend to write mostly about Christianity, music, photography, ...
