A new World Health Organization code for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome aims to improve diagnosis and tracking of a dangerous vomiting disorder linked to chronic marijuana use.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a severe vomiting disorder associated with long-term marijuana use. This recognition, announced in October, introduces a dedicated diagnostic code for CHS, which is now adopted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Experts believe this development will aid in diagnosing and managing the condition, especially as cases continue to rise across the United States.
CHS is characterized by debilitating symptoms that can include severe nausea, repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, and weight loss. In rare instances, it can lead to more serious complications such as heart rhythm problems, seizures, kidney failure, and even death. Patients often report a distressing symptom known as “scromiting,” which involves simultaneous screaming and vomiting due to extreme discomfort, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Prior to this formal recognition, diagnosing CHS proved challenging for healthcare professionals, as its symptoms can easily be mistaken for those of food poisoning or the stomach flu. Some patients have gone undiagnosed for months or even years, leading to significant distress and health complications. Beatriz Carlini, a research associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, noted that the new code will facilitate better tracking and monitoring of CHS cases. “It helps us count and monitor these cases,” she stated.
The University of Washington has been actively identifying and tracking CHS in its hospitals and emergency rooms. Carlini emphasized that the new diagnostic code will provide crucial data on cannabis-related adverse events, which are becoming increasingly prevalent.
Recent research published in JAMA Network Open highlighted a surge in emergency room visits for CHS during the COVID-19 pandemic, with numbers remaining elevated since then. The study attributes this increase to factors such as social isolation, heightened stress levels, and greater access to high-potency cannabis products. Emergency room visits for CHS reportedly rose by approximately 650% from 2016 to their peak during the pandemic, particularly among individuals aged 18 to 35.
John Puls, a psychotherapist based in Florida and a nationally certified addiction specialist, has observed a concerning rise in CHS cases, especially among adolescents and young adults using high-potency cannabis. He pointed out that many cannabis products now contain over 90% THC, which he believes is linked to the increased incidence of CHS. “In my opinion, and the research also supports this, the increased rates of CHS are absolutely linked to high-potency cannabis,” Puls told Fox News Digital.
Despite the growing recognition of CHS, some researchers caution that the causative factors remain unproven, and the epidemiology of the syndrome is not fully understood. One prevailing theory suggests that heavy, long-term cannabis use may overstimulate the body’s cannabinoid system, leading to the opposite effect of marijuana’s typical anti-nausea properties. Puls noted that while cannabis can be effective in treating nausea, the products used for this purpose usually contain much lower doses of THC, typically less than 5%.
Currently, the only reliable treatment for CHS appears to be the cessation of cannabis use. Traditional nausea medications often fail to provide relief, prompting doctors to explore stronger alternatives or treatments like capsaicin cream, which mimics the soothing sensation many patients experience from hot showers. A distinctive feature of CHS is that sufferers often find temporary relief only by taking long, hot showers, a phenomenon that researchers still do not fully understand.
The intermittent nature of CHS can lead some users to mistakenly believe that a bout of illness was an isolated incident, allowing them to continue using cannabis without immediate consequences. However, experts warn that even small amounts of cannabis can trigger severe symptoms in individuals who have previously experienced CHS. Dr. Chris Buresh, an emergency medicine specialist with UW Medicine, explained, “Some people say they’ve used cannabis without a problem for decades. But even small amounts can make these people start throwing up.”
Once an individual has experienced CHS, they are at a higher risk of recurrence. Puls expressed hope that the introduction of the new diagnosis code will lead to more accurate identification of CHS cases in emergency room settings. Public health experts anticipate that this WHO code will significantly enhance surveillance and enable healthcare providers to identify trends, particularly as cannabis legalization expands and high-potency products become more widely available.
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