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Mysterious long-term vomiting disorder marijuana use Experts say the measure could save lives as cases surge across the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially added cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) to its diagnostic manual, giving the mysterious disease its own code for the first time, following guidance published by the organization in October. The update went into effect Oct. 1 and has now been adopted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, allowing doctors across the country to identify, track and study symptoms rather than lumping them into broader vomiting and gastrointestinal categories.
According to the National Institutes of Health, CHS is a dangerous and sometimes fatal syndrome that affects chronic cannabis users, causing severe nausea, repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, weight loss, and in rare cases, heart rhythm problems, seizures, kidney failure, and death. According to the Cleveland Clinic, patients often experience a frightening condition known as “scrotum,” which causes them to scream and vomit at the same time due to extreme pain.
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Until now, doctors have had difficulty diagnosing CHS because the symptoms are similar to those of food poisoning or gastroenteritis. Axios reported. And some patients may not find answers for months or even years.
Health experts say today’s high-THC cannabis products may be fueling the rise in cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. (St. Petersburg)
“This will help us count and monitor these cases,” said Beatrice Carlini, an associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, which identifies and tracks CHS in hospitals/ERs. WHO decision In a Nov. 18 news release. Professor Carlini, who studies the negative health effects of cannabis use, added: “The new code for Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome provides important hard evidence on the adverse effects of cannabis, but doctors are telling us that this problem is getting worse.”
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A new JAMA Network Open study released Nov. 24 finds that CHS emergency department visits spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic and have remained high since then. Researchers say isolation, stress and increased access to potent cannabis products likely contributed to the increase.
According to the study, the number of CHS-related emergency department visits increased by about 650% from 2016 to its peak during the pandemic, especially among patients ages 18 to 35. The authors also noted that the potency of THC has changed dramatically, with today’s products often containing more than 20% THC, compared to just 5% in the 1990s.
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John Pulse, Nationally Licensed Psychotherapist Based in Florida addiction expert, It said there had been an “alarming” increase in CHS, particularly among youth and young adults who use high-potency cannabis.
Emergency rooms across the United States are reporting a sharp increase in cases of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. (Mike Blake/Reuters)
“In my opinion, and the research supports this, increased rates of CHS are absolutely associated with potent cannabis. In many cases, the product is 90% or more THC,” Pals told FOX News Digital. He added that the most common misconception about CHS is that it is not an actual condition, which is why he believes the new diagnosis code is “an important step in the right direction.”
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However, some researchers point out that the underlying cause of CHS remains unknown, as a causal relationship has not yet been proven and the epidemiology is not fully understood. One theory is that heavy, long-term use of cannabis overstimulates the body’s cannabinoid system, causing effects that are opposite to cannabis’ normal anti-nausea effects. “Cannabis can be used to treat nausea, but these products typically have much lower doses of THC, typically less than 5%,” Pals said.
quit marijuana According to the Cleveland Clinic and the NIH, its use appears to be the only sure treatment. Common anti-nausea medications have little effect, so doctors often use stronger drugs or capsaicin cream. Capsaicin cream mimics the warm relief that many patients get from a hot shower.
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A telltale sign of CHS is that symptoms are often relieved only by patients taking long hot showers, but this is a temporary solution that scientists don’t yet fully understand.
Doctors say CHS is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms resemble those of food poisoning or gastroenteritis. (St. Petersburg)
Because the syndrome is intermittent, some users may believe that their bouts of illness are a fluke and continue using cannabis without incident before suddenly becoming violently ill again. Experts say many people resist the diagnosis, and even those who accept it often have difficulty making it. Quit using marijuana due to addiction.
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“Some people say they’ve been using marijuana for decades without problems,” says Dr. Chris Bresch, an emergency medicine specialist at Women’s Medicine. “But even small amounts can cause these people to start vomiting.”
And once you’ve had CHS, you’re likely to experience it again, Pals noted. “My hope is that with this new diagnosis code, CHS will be more accurately diagnosed in the emergency room,” he said.
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Public health experts hope the new WHO norms will dramatically improve surveillance and help doctors spot trends, especially as legalization expands and high-potency products proliferate.
