Cyclic vomiting syndrome is characterized by episodes of severe vomiting that have no apparent cause.
Episodes can last for hours or days and alternate with symptom-free periods.
Although more common in children, the number of cases diagnosed in adults is increasing.
The syndrome is difficult to diagnose because vomiting is a symptom of many disorders.
Treatment often involves lifestyle changes to help prevent the events that can trigger vomiting episodes.
Medications, including anti-nausea andmigrainetherapies, may help lessen symptoms.
The symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome often begin in the morning.
Call your doctor if you see blood in your or your child’s vomit.
Continued vomiting may cause severe dehydration that can be life-threatening.
Some possible causes include genes, digestive difficulties, nervous system problems, and hormone imbalances.
The relationship between migraines and cyclic vomiting syndrome isn’t clear.
In adults, the association between cyclic vomiting syndrome and migraine may be lower.
People with this syndrome often demonstrate frequent showering or bathing behavior.
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome can be confused with cyclic vomiting syndrome.
If it doesn’t, your doctor will continue testing for cyclic vomiting syndrome.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome can cause these complications:
Cyclic vomiting syndrome can be difficult to diagnose.
The doctor will start by asking about your child’s or your medical history and conducting a physical exam.
The doctor will also want to know about the pattern of symptoms that you or your child experiences.
For those experiencing cyclic vomiting episode, treatment focuses on controlling the signs and symptoms.
IV fluids may need to be given to prevent dehydration.
Treatment is individualized based on the severity and duration of symptoms as well as the presence of complications.
Alternative and complementary treatments may help prevent vomiting episodes, although none of these treatments has been well-studied.
Some researchers believe mitochondrial dysfunction may be a factor causing both cyclic vomiting syndrome and migraine.
Be sure to see a doctor and have the diagnosis of cyclic vomiting syndrome confirmed before starting any supplements.
You’re likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor or your child’s pediatrician.
But you may be referred immediately to a digestive diseases specialist (gastroenterologist).
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.
Some people may feel well enough to begin eating a normal diet soon after they stop vomiting.
Eating small meals and small carbohydrate-containing snacks daily, instead of three large meals, also may help.
Ask your doctor about support groups in your area.
Many people know what triggers their cyclic vomiting episodes.
Avoiding those triggers can reduce the frequency of episodes.
Lifestyle changes also may help, including:
Updated: 2017-08-08
Publication Date: 2006-11-27
