Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for cyclic vomiting syndrome?

by Tina Robel Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Doctors treat the complications of cyclic vomiting syndrome as follows: dehydration—plenty of liquids with glucose and electrolytes; or IV fluids and hospitalization for severe dehydration. esophagitis link—medicines to reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes.

Medication

You may need any of the following:

  • Migraine medicine may be used to prevent or stop migraine headaches. This may be given if you have migraines or are at risk because of a family history of migraines. ...
  • Antinausea medicine may be needed to control your nausea.
  • Medicine may be given to control the amount of acid your stomach makes.
  • Take your medicine as directed. ...

Therapy

caused by stress, stress can make things worse, and CVS is a stressful illness. Therefore, in many patients, treatments to promote relaxation (counseling, yoga, acupuncture) may help. We don’t know about the role of diet in CVS. However, some patients with migraine headaches do

Self-care

Who is more likely to get cyclic vomiting syndrome?

  • migraines NIH external link or a family history of migraines
  • a history of long-term marijuana use
  • a tendency to get motion sickness

Nutrition

Cyclic vomiting syndrome occurs in all races but seems to affect whites disproportionately. The annual cost of a cyclic vomiting syndrome per child with the condition is around $17,035, and in the United States the cost of hospital stays for adults with cyclic vomiting syndrome totaled $400 million over 2 years (03).

What medicine do you take for cyclic vomiting syndrome?

Can acupuncture help with cyclic vomiting syndrome?

How do you get cyclic vomiting syndrome?

Does cyclic vomiting syndrome affect all races?

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How can I treat my CVS at home?

Once vomiting begins, it may help to stay in bed and sleep in a dark, quiet room. When the vomiting phase has stopped, it's very important to drink fluids, such as an oral electrolyte solution (Pedialyte) or a sports drink (Gatorade, Powerade, others) diluted with 1 ounce of water for every ounce of sports drink.

Is cyclic vomiting syndrome a mental illness?

Cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS) is an under-recognized functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. It consists of recurrent, sudden, and stereotypical episodes of severe nausea and vomiting separated by periods which are symptom free.

How is cyclic vomiting syndrome treated in adults?

CVS is treated with abortive therapy and preventive therapy. Abortive therapy is given at the time of an episode and is meant to lessen the intensity or stop (abort) your attack after it starts.

What triggers cyclic vomiting?

The underlying cause of cyclic vomiting syndrome is unknown. Some possible causes include genes, digestive difficulties, nervous system problems and hormone imbalances. Specific bouts of vomiting may be triggered by: Colds, allergies or sinus problems.

Can you outgrow cyclic vomiting syndrome?

There's no cure for cyclic vomiting syndrome, though many children no longer have vomiting episodes by the time they reach adulthood. For those experiencing a cyclic vomiting episode, treatment focuses on controlling the signs and symptoms. You or your child may be prescribed: Anti-nausea drugs.

Is there a test for cyclic vomiting syndrome?

Doctors use lab tests, upper GI endoscopy, and imaging tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that cause nausea and vomiting. Once other diseases and conditions have been ruled out, a doctor will diagnose cyclic vomiting syndrome based on the pattern or cycle of symptoms.

Can CVS go away?

There is no cure for CVS. But you and your child can learn ways to try to prevent episodes. You can also learn how to stop an episode as it starts (see Preventing Future Episodes). Once severe vomiting begins, though, your child will likely need to go to the hospital right away.

Which medicine can stop vomiting?

Medications to stop vomiting OTC medications for nausea can include Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate, which contain bismuth subsalicylate. These medications help protect the stomach lining and reduce vomiting caused by food poisoning.

What is the best prescription anti nausea medication?

Best anti-nausea medicationsBest anti-nausea medicationsZofran (ondansetron)RxGet CouponPromethegan (promethazine)RxGet CouponPhenergan (promethazine)RxGet CouponReglan (metoclopramide)RxGet Coupon10 more rows

How long does cyclic vomiting syndrome last?

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a disorder that causes recurrent episodes of nausea, vomiting, and tiredness (lethargy). This condition is diagnosed most often in young children, but it can affect people of any age. The episodes of nausea, vomiting, and lethargy last anywhere from an hour to 10 days.

Can vomiting be mental?

Psychogenic vomiting is a syndrome in which there is recurrent vomiting, without any organic pathology or as “functional vomiting” as a result of psychological mechanism. [1] It occurs as a result of an emotional or psychic disturbance without any organicity.

Is CVS a real disease?

Cyclic vomiting syndrome, or CVS, is a disorder that causes sudden, repeated attacks—called episodes—of severe nausea and vomiting. Episodes can last from a few hours to several days.

Is CVS an eating disorder?

CVS is not an eating disorder in the same way that anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are. CVS seems to lack an emotional or psychological component. There is no evidence to suggest it is anything but a physiological/neurological problem.

What mimics cyclic vomiting syndrome?

The main classes of metabolic disorders to consider in children with recurrent vomiting that may mimic cyclic vomiting are: fatty acid oxidation disorders, urea cycle defects, and organic acidurias 6, 13–15.

What Is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)?

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a condition in which a person suffers from sudden, repeated attacks of severe nausea, vomiting, and exhaustion. T...

Who Is Affected by Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)?

CVS is more common in children than adults. About 3 of every 100,000 children are diagnosed with CVS. In most cases in children, CVS starts to occu...

What Causes Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)?

There is no known cause of CVS, but mitochondria in the cells may have a role. Mitochondria act as the cells’ digestive system, taking in nutrients...

What Can Trigger An Episode of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)?

Anxiety, a panic attack, or something that is emotionally upsetting may bring on CVS. Also, the following may trigger CVS: 1. Respiratory or sinus...

What Are The Symptoms of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)?

Some of the symptoms of CVS are: 1. Repeated episodes of severe nausea, retching (attempting to vomit), and vomiting. 2. Heaving or gagging. 3. Lac...

What is the treatment for cyclic vomiting?

You or your child may be prescribed: Anti-nausea drugs. Pain-relieving medications. Medications that suppress stomach acid. Antidepressants. Anti-seizure medications.

How to control cyclic vomiting?

Lifestyle changes can help control the signs and symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome. People with cyclic vomiting syndrome generally need to get adequate sleep. Once vomiting begins, it may help to stay in bed and sleep in a dark, quiet room.

What is the best medicine for vomiting?

These treatments include: Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone), a natural substance made in the body that is available as a supplement.

Why is cyclic vomiting so difficult?

Because you never know when the next episode might occur, cyclic vomiting syndrome can be difficult for the whole family. Children may be especially concerned, and may worry constantly that they'll be with other children when an episode happens.

How to stop vomiting when you have a symptom?

If vomiting episodes are triggered by stress or excitement, try during a symptom-free interval to find ways to reduce stress and stay calm. Eating small meals and low-fat snacks daily, instead of three large meals, also may help.

What to drink when you are vomiting?

When the vomiting phase has stopped, it's very important to drink fluids, such as an oral electrolyte solution (Pedialyte) or a sports drink (Gatorade, Powerade, others) diluted with 1 ounce of water for every ounce of sports drink.

What type of imaging is recommended for a child with a gastrointestinal blockage?

After that, the doctor may recommend: Imaging studies — such as endoscopy, ultrasound or a CT scan — to check for blockages in the digestive system or signs of other digestive conditions.

How often do you have a cyclic vomiting attack?

However, symptoms do not occur each day. The attacks generally occur several times a year, but could be up to once or twice a month. If you’re having daily symptoms for weeks or a month, these are due to something other than cyclic vomiting syndrome. The symptoms, time of day, frequency, severity and length of each episode ...

How long does a cycle of vomiting last?

Cyclic vomiting syndrome patients experience cycles of severe nausea, vomiting and exhaustion that can last a few hours, or a few days. Although the symptoms won’t occur each day, the syndrome itself can last a lifetime.

What is the prodrome phase of CVS?

In the prodrome (early symptom) phase, when symptoms of a CVS episode first start, doctors use drugs to control nausea, reduce stomach acid production and relieve migraine symptoms and abdominal pain. In the vomiting phase, doctors use medicines to control migraine pain and to reduce your stomach acid and anxiety.

What happens when you lose fluids from vomiting?

Dehydration: Dehydration happens when fluids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea are not replaced. Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) due to frequent exposure to vomit, which is very acidic.

How common is CVS in children?

CVS is more common in children than adults. As a generalization, 3 of every 100,000 children are diagnosed with CVS. In most cases in children, CVS starts to occur between the ages of 3 and 7. However, the disorder can begin at any age from infancy through old age.

What is the term for a twisting of the intestine?

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Volvulus or malrotation (twisting of the intestine). UPJ obstruction (a urinary blockage at the point where one of the kidneys attaches to one of the tubes to the bladder [the ureters]). A number of different tests to rule out metabolic disorders.

What tests are done for CVS?

The doctor may order metabolic and liver function tests in addition to running tests on the blood and urine.

What is cyclic vomiting syndrome?

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is an uncommon disorder affecting both children and adults and characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. An episode may last for a few hours to several days and is then followed by a period of time during which affected individuals are relatively free of severe nausea and vomiting. Some can experience milder symptoms between attacks. This alternating pattern of disease and disease-free periods distinguishes cyclic vomiting syndrome from other gastrointestinal disorders. For each person who suffers from this condition, the episodes are similar to each other. The associated nausea and vomiting can be severe enough to incapacitate the individual who may be unable to walk or talk and/or be bedridden. Additional symptoms often present during an episode including dizziness, paleness of the skin (pallor), lack of energy (listlessness) and, abdominal pain and headaches. Oftentimes, nausea is the most disturbing symptom, more so than vomiting. Some affected children outgrow these episodes as they get older but for many others, CVS transitions into migraine headache. Cyclic vomiting syndrome may affect children more often than adults. The exact causes of cyclic vomiting syndrome remains unknown in many people, but a cause or risk factors can be determined in many others.

What causes cyclic vomiting?

In adolescents and women, menstruation may trigger an episode. Many adults with cyclic vomiting syndrome are prone to anxiety or panic attacks which can trigger episodes.

How long does cyclic vomiting last?

In children, these episodes usually last for several hours to a few days. In adults, episodes tend to occur less frequently, but can last longer, even over a week. These recurrent, characteristic episodes are quite similar within each individual, often beginning at the same time of day, with similar severity, duration and associated symptoms as in previous episodes. Episodes often occur in the early morning hours or upon awakening in the morning. Affected individuals may only experience episodes several times a year or as frequently as several times a month. On occasion, after years of cycling, episodes can “coalesce” together with daily nausea and vomiting between severe attacks such that there is no symptom-free period.

How often does CVS cause nausea?

Affected children may experience bouts of rapid-fire, projectile vomiting as frequently as four or more times per hour with a peak pace of every 5-15 minutes.

What is the most common type of dysmotility?

Different types of dysmotility that are common in people with CVS include gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), gastroparesis (low stomach motility causing delayed emptying of the stomach) and forms of irritable bowel disease (IBS: diarrhea, constipation, and/or bloating). Nausea is a common component of dysmotility and is especially common among adults. ...

What is the primary system affected by cyclic vomiting?

Although nausea and vomiting are the main features of cyclic vomiting syndrome, researchers now believe that the primary system affected is the nervous system, including the brain and peripheral nerves. There are more nerve cells (neurons) in the abdomen than in the head, and symptoms of the disorder develop due to abnormalities in ...

What does it mean when you vomit green?

The vomit may be bilious (green or yellow). Repetitive vomiting may cause loss of vital fluids (dehydration). Gastrointestinal symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, diarrhea and retching (gagging) are not uncommon. Affected individuals have a reduced appetite and weight loss may occur.

How do you diagnose cyclic vomiting?

Doctors diagnose cyclic vomiting syndrome based on family and medical history, a physical exam, medical tests, and the pattern or cycle of symptoms. Medical tests can rule out other diseases and conditions that cause cyclic vomiting symptoms.

How long does cyclic vomiting last?

Episodes can last from a few hours to several days. Experts aren’t sure what causes cyclic vomiting syndrome.

What is a clinical trial?

Clinical Trials. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions. Next: Definitions & Facts.

How long does CVS last?

Episodes can last from a few hours to several days. Episodes alternate with longer periods of no symptoms.

How to avoid vomiting with CVS?

1. Identify and avoid foods that trigger your symptoms. Many people with CVS have trigger foods that cause vomiting episodes. These triggers are unique to each person, so monitor your symptoms and avoid the foods that seem to make them worse.

What to do if you feel nauseous after vomiting?

Follow a liquid diet if you still feel nauseous after the vomiting passes. In general, you can go back to eating solid food as soon as you feel better. However, if you’re still feeling nauseous, then eat broths, soup, Jell-O, and puddings until you feel up to eating solid foods again. [5]

What is CVS in children?

This article has been viewed 11,800 times. Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, or CVS, is a condition that causes severe vomiting with no apparent cause. It usually affects children, and most will grow out of the condition by the time they reach adulthood, but some adults experience the condition as well.

Can supplements help with CVS?

In addition to natural control and prevention measures, there are a few natural supplements that could improve your symptoms. The following supplements don’ t have much research behind them , but early studies suggest that they may be helpful for people with CVS. These nutrients help your body convert and store food, which could explain why they improve CVS symptoms. [17]#N#X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source#N#Always ask your doctor before trying any supplements, especially if you suffer from CVS. If your doctor tells you that it’s safe, then you can try these supplements out to see if they bring you any relief.

Is the content of this article intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Can you take medication with CVS?

Medical Takeaways. While doctors usually recommend medication to manage CVS, there are a number of lifestyle remedies that they also suggest. These methods are completely natural, and you can use them along with medication or on their own to treat your symptoms. This creates a well-rounded regimen to manage CVS.

Can CVS help with nausea?

If you’re experiencing a CVS outbreak, then your immediate concern should be taking care of yourself until the nausea and vomiting pass. Most anti-nausea management techniques are completely natural, and you’ll only need medication if you can’t stop the vomiting.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rakshith Bharadwaj
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment options include medication and lifestyle modifications.
Medication

Anti-nausea drugs: To control nausea and vomiting.

Ondansetron . Granisetron . Dolasetron . Dexamethasone


Analgesics: To manage abdominal pain.

Acetaminophen


Antidepressants: To control vomiting but the mechanism of action is not known.

Venlafaxine


Antacids: To reduce the effect of excess acid in the stomach.

Calcium carbonate

Therapy

Intravenous therapy:For electrolyte abnormalities secondary to dehydration.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Take small meals at different times in the day
  • Get adequate sleep
  • For children, give clear fluids then solid foods after the episodes subside
  • Do calming exercises to reduce stress

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Lean meats like fish

Foods to avoid:

  • Dairy products
  • Caffeinated drinks

Specialist to consult

Gastroenterologist
Specializes in the digestive system and its disorders.

Alternative Medicine

Coping and Support

  • There's no cure for cyclic vomiting syndrome, though many children no longer have vomiting episodes by the time they reach adulthood. For those experiencing a cyclic vomiting episode, treatment focuses on controlling the signs and symptoms. You or your child may be prescribed: 1. Anti-nausea drugs 2. Pain-relieving medications 3. Medications that s...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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