Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: 5 CVS Natural Remedies
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September 26, 2018
Cyclic vomiting syndrome, or cyclical vomiting, is a rare illness that causes episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. In between the episodes, most people are symptom-free. Although the cause of the condition is not yet known, many people have triggers that they can learn to avoid and symptoms they can manage with natural remedies.
What Is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (also called CVS) is a condition in which someone periodically has bouts of severe nausea and vomiting. In general, they feel well in between episodes, which can last from a few hours to several days. In addition, individuals tend to have similar episode characteristics each time they experience a bout of nausea/vomiting with cyclic vomiting syndrome. For example, the symptoms may happen at the same time of day or after a similar activity or trigger. Each episode may also last about the same amount of time. Unfortunately, episodes of nausea and vomiting can be debilitating, making it nearly impossible for people with the condition to take part in regular activities until symptoms subside.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome typically begins in childhood. However, adults may develop the condition, and it is becoming more common in adults over time. It may be defined as having three or more episodes in a six-month period with no apparent cause, or having five or more episodes ever. (1) For most people, the problem resolves in a few months to a few years, but some people have the condition for decades.
The condition is rare and can be a challenge to diagnose because nausea and vomiting are common symptoms for many other illnesses. Cyclic vomiting syndrome may be hard to distinguish from abdominal migraines or cannabis hyperemesis syndrome — a condition caused by chronic marijuana use that also results in excessive nausea and vomiting.
Children with cyclic vomiting syndrome often outgrow the condition but are then more likely to develop migraines as adults.
Ad
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome include: (2)
- Recurrent periods of severe nausea and vomiting, lasting from a few hours to a few days (Attacks tend to last longer in adults than in children.)
- Similar characteristics for each episode (This may include time of day, how long they last, severity, other symptoms that happen at the same time and circumstances that came just before the episode. Many people have the episodes early in the morning.)
- Severe nausea that does not improve after vomiting
- Dry heaving often continues even after the stomach is emptied.
- In children, projectile vomiting and bouts of rapid-fire vomiting can happen. Vomiting may occur several times per hour, or even every few minutes for children.
During an episode, symptoms may also include: (1, 2)
- Excessive sweating
- Compulsively drinking water to try to dilute stomach bile and make vomiting easier
- Pale skin
- Lack of energy, inability to walk around
- Social withdrawal
- Appearing almost unconscious
- Drooling
- Fever
- Green or yellow color to the vomit
- Gagging
- Diarrhea
- Severe stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Dehydration or weight loss
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Causes and Risk Factors
There is no known cause for cyclic vomiting syndrome. Some research indicates the problem may be related to a miscommunication disorder between the brain and the gut. However, many people with the condition can pick out a trigger or a set of circumstances that precede the episodes. These triggers may cause an episode of vomiting to start. Common triggers include: (1, 2)
- Excitement or stress, particularly in young children
- Stress, anxiety or panic attacks, particularly in adults
- Certain foods (common dietary triggers include MSG, chocolate, caffeine and cheese)
- Overeating
- Eating right before bed
- Fasting
- Physical exhaustion
- Heavy exercise
- Lack of sleep
- Menstruation
- Motion sickness
- Weather changes
- Hot weather
- Allergies or sinus issues
- Colds or infections
Risk factors for cyclic vomiting syndrome include: (2)
- Having migraines
- A family history of migraines
- Anxiety or panic disorders
- Being female (only a slight increase in risk compared to males)
- Being a child between three and seven years old
- Having gastroesophageal reflux
Diagnosis
Cyclic vomiting syndrome diagnosis is done through a careful medical history and symptom evaluation. You will have a physical exam. In most cases, doctors have to rule out many conditions that can cause repeated episodes of vomiting. It can take years for some people to find the right diagnosis.
There is no formal test for the condition, but you may be given tests to rule out other health problems. Some tests that may be conducted include blood and urine tests, imaging of the gastrointestinal tract (such as an ultrasound or endoscopy), and motility tests to assess how food moves through your system. - In a research study, more than two-thirds of people taking co-enzyme Q10 experienced at least a 50 percent reduction in the frequency, duration, severity, or number of vomiting episodes related to CVS.
- Long-term supplementation with L-carnitine increased the time between CVS episodes from 1.7 months to 1.1 years in a small study.
- Combining co-enzyme Q10 and L-carnitine led to significant reductions in the number of CVS episodes, with many cases resolving completely.
- Riboflavin was found to effectively prevent CVS episodes in children without the need for other medications.
- Managing emotional stress through techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and stress management strategies can help reduce CVS episodes.
- Getting enough rest and avoiding physical exhaustion is important in managing CVS symptoms. People suffering from CVS may experience incapacitation during these episodes. Traditional medical treatments may involve the use of medications to address migraines, seizures, depression, nausea, and vomiting. While some medications can be taken to prevent episodes, most are administered once an episode begins to alleviate symptoms. Natural remedies for cyclic vomiting syndrome include identifying and avoiding triggers, managing symptoms during an episode, considering supplements like coenzyme Q10 or L-carnitine, reducing emotional stress, and prioritizing rest.
