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.