How To Treat Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

Individuals suffering from cyclic vomiting syndrome are prone to periodic episodes of extreme nausea and vomiting. These attacks are typically consistent in their start time and duration, lasting anywhere from hours to days. Cases of cyclic vomiting syndrome can be found in individuals of all ages but are frequently noted in children aged three to seven. The causes of this harsh condition are not known, and it can be easily misdiagnosed as any number of disorders capable of inducing vomiting. This makes symptom treatment the primary goal of healthcare providers.

Anti-Nausea Medication

Anti-nausea medications come in various types. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider when choosing one that will best treat your symptoms and one compatible with your overall health. Some medicines coat the lining of the stomach while others dull parts of the body, such as the ear's motion-sensing receptors, to block signals to the brain that govern feeling nauseous.

These types of medications are helpful when taken in the first phase of an attack, called the prodrome phase, when symptoms are not yet full-blown. They may also be vital during the main vomiting stage when nausea will reach its peak, at times registering as severe. During the recovery phase, symptoms may quickly resolve or linger making the use of anti-nausea drugs subjective to the individual's tolerance.

Antacid Medication

Antacid medication may be helpful in the first stage of a cyclic vomiting syndrome episode, the prodrome phase, during which sufferers may experience sweating and nausea, which are preludes to an impending attack. Such drugs may be given as a prescription or purchased over-the-counter at a local pharmacy. They are often made of components such as alkaline minerals, like calcium or magnesium, that counter the acid in the stomach thus neutralizing its pH level.

These drugs come in tablet (chewable or dissolvable), gummy, or liquid form and vary in their activation time and duration depending on the exact composition of ingredients. Be sure to consult a healthcare provider before using this class of medicines as some contain ingredients that can have unwanted side effects on those with certain medical conditions, like heart and kidney disease.

Pain Relief Medication

Pain relief medication, either over-the-counter or prescription, may be an option during both the early stages of an attack and during vomiting episodes. The prodrome phase can strike with or without abdominal pain, and can last for hours. Once the vomiting phase begins, patients can retch many times per hour and suffer from intense pain in the abdomen. This phase can last up to several days, leaving the afflicted to face prolonged periods of discomfort. Consult your healthcare provider to find out which pain medication is best for you and be sure to take it only as directed since such drugs can be easily misused, resulting in further harm to the body.

Rehydration Solution

Severe bouts of vomiting can increase the risk of dehydration, so be on the lookout for symptoms such as excessive thirst or dryness of the mouth, a decrease in urination, dark urine, dizziness, dry skin, or sunken facial features. In such cases, hospitalization and IV fluids may be required. To avoid a trip to the hospital for dehydration, the use of a rehydration solution can be helpful. Solutions are typically water-based and are geared toward replenishing the nutrients lost during vomiting, such as electrolytes and potassium.

Providers may also approve the consumption of broths, juices, and other nutrient-enriched fluids that do not contain caffeine. These treatments can be useful during any phase of an attack to keep the patient hydrated, but they are especially vital during recovery, which is the phase immediately following an attack when the victim finally stops vomiting and the feeling of nausea subsides. It is during this part that the body will gradually or swiftly work to repair itself, so it will need all the help it can get by replenishing its vital nutrients.

Eat Smaller Meals And Snacks

Another remedy may be to eat smaller meals and snacks. Just like in other areas of our health, the foods we eat have the power to help or harm us. Small portions are easier to digest, as are snacks with carbohydrates. A change in diet may not prevent attacks or even provide relief during one, but what it can do is help reinforce the body afterward and ensure it remains at its best for future encounters.

Eating healthy, balanced meals and staying hydrated in the calm between attacks are both vital to the long-term management of this condition. Also, don't skip meals, and steer clear of any foods that have triggered attacks in the past. Some known culprits include alcohol, chocolate, dairy, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) seasoning. Once symptoms of an attack have resolved, it is advised to ease back into your normal diet beginning with clear liquids and gradually introducing more complex foods.