CHS is under-diagnosed, presents with cyclic vomiting and compulsive hot shower use, and often fails to respond to standard anti-nausea medications.
Emergency physicians, primary care clinicians, and gastroenterologists.
Standard antiemetics often fail for CHS; abstinence is the only effective long-term approach
What the researchers found
CHS is characterized by cyclic, severe vomiting, compulsive hot showering, and chronic cannabis use history. Standard antiemetics may not fully work. Abstinence remains the most effective long-term approach.
Why it matters
CHS is under-recognized, leading to repeated unnecessary ER visits and testing. Better recognition could reduce costs and patient suffering.
The numbers in context
Ondansetron may not fully attenuate symptoms. Abstinence is most effective prevention.
How the study worked
Clinical review article aimed at helping clinicians identify and treat CHS.
What this study cannot tell us
Narrative review. CHS pathophysiology incompletely understood. Treatment evidence from case reports mostly.
How to read the evidence
Clinical review drawing on limited but growing CHS literature.
When this study was published
Published in 2024.
The bigger picture
As cannabis use shifts toward higher potency and frequency, CHS will likely become increasingly common.
Questions still open
- What minimum cannabis exposure triggers CHS?
- Are some individuals genetically predisposed?
Common questions
What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
How is CHS treated?
Read the original research
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) - An emerging gastrointestinal disorder and clinical challenge.
Disease-a-month : DM, 70(12), 101832
Citation
McFee, R B. (2024). Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) - An emerging gastrointestinal disorder and clinical challenge.. Disease-a-month : DM, 70(12), 101832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.disamonth.2024.101832
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