4 Natural Remedies To Treat Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

What Is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder characterized by sudden and repetitive episodes or attacks of severe nausea and vomiting followed by extreme weakness. However, the exact cause behind such repetitive episodes is not known. Cyclic vomiting syndrome occurs more commonly among children up to 5 years of age than in adults. According to researchers, about 80% of children and 25% of adults who have cyclic vomiting syndrome may also suffer from migraine headaches. It is also suggested that patients having a family of migraines may also develop cyclic vomiting syndrome. The following article will discuss about how to treat cyclic vomiting syndrome naturally?

Features Of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

This syndrome is being increasingly recognized by clinicians globally as a separate clinical entity. Some of the striking features of cyclic vomiting syndrome follow;

• The episodes of nausea and vomiting can last for a few hours to even several days.
• Cyclic vomiting syndrome episodes can become severe enough to interfere with a person’s day to day routine activities.
• After an episode of cyclic vomiting, the person may remain free from symptoms for a few days, weeks or even months.
• This disorder can affect the patient for months or even several years.
• The episodes of cyclic vomiting syndrome tend to be similar in the form of pattern and time of occurrence of signs and symptoms as well as intensity.

Causes Of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

Cyclic vomiting syndrome has no specific underlying cause. Some possible conditions which may trigger the occurrence of cyclic vomiting syndrome are

• Physical exertion or excessive exercise
• Fasting or overeating
• Motion sickness
• Menstruation
• Hot weather
• Infections such as upper respiratory tract infections, flu, sinusitis, etc.
• Anxiety or emotional stress
• Certain foods such as chocolates, coffee, monosodium glutamate, meat, etc.
• Hormonal imbalances

Signs And Symptoms Of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

Since cyclic vomiting is a “syndrome”, it comprises of several signs and symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are seen in all patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome.

Some other signs and symptoms of this syndrome are;

• Retching or attempting to vomit
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Occasional diarrhea
• Headache
• Fever may be present
• Extreme weakness, inability to stand or walk
• Paleness
• Loss of consciousness
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound

The intensity, duration, and presence of signs and symptoms may vary from person to person.

Phases Of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

1. Prodrome

During this phase, the patient feels that an episode of nausea and vomiting is about to start. The prodrome phase is characterized by nausea and profuse sweating or dizziness.

2. Vomiting

This phase is characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, and intense abdominal pain or headache. The patient may remain conscious and responsive or may become unresponsive depending upon the severity of signs and symptoms. This phase may last from a few hours to several days.

3. Recovery

The recovery phase begins once the retching and vomiting stop. Signs and symptoms subside completely and recovery may be instant or gradual in the form of regaining appetite and improved energy levels.

4. Phase of wellness

This phase is present between two episodes of cyclic vomiting where the child may be asymptomatic and relatively healthier.

Complications Of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

• The decay of teeth as tooth enamel may get corroded by acidic gastric contents.
• Esophagitis – Inflammation of the esophagus due to the acidic nature of vomit
• Dehydration – The patient avoids eating or drinking anything during the prodrome and vomiting phase, although there is a continuous loss of fluids. This may result in dehydration if the lost fluids are not replaced timely.

How To Treat Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Naturally?

The following are some ways where you can treat cyclic vomiting syndrome naturally;

1. Avoid Triggers

The prime aim of managing cyclic vomiting syndrome is to identify the factors which may trigger an episode of cyclic vomiting and learning to avoid them. Some of the commonly identified triggering factors have already been mentioned above under the heading of causes.

2. Natural Remedies For Headache

The use of essential oils is documented in the management of headaches such as peppermint and lavender oil. Essential oils soothe the nerves and reduce sensitivity towards light or noise. Essential oils can be applied over temples, forehead and at the back of the neck and hence it can help to treat cyclic vomiting syndrome naturally.

3. Natural Remedies For Nausea

Chewing on a piece of ginger or hard candy or drinking tea made of chamomile or ginger can help to prevent nausea and subsequent vomiting. Lemon juice or chewing peppermint can also help to prevent nausea. The use of peppermint in the form of essential oil also has documented benefits in the prevention of nausea.

4. Natural Ways To Manage Dehydration

Although the patient may completely avoid eating or drinking anything, it is important to keep the patient well hydrated. Drinking enough water during the episode of cyclic vomiting and also after it, help to prevent dehydration and fatigue.

Patients may also consume coconut water since it is a natural source of electrolytes as well as fluid replacement. Clear liquids, juices or commercially available electrolyte drinks can be consumed by such patients especially after the vomiting phase is over. Dehydration is the commonest cause of hospitalization of patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome.

Tips To Prevent The Occurrence Of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

• Exertion is one of the causes of cyclic vomiting syndrome. Getting adequate sleep can prevent the occurrence of signs and symptoms.
• Seek medical attention if you have anxiety, stress or panic disorder.
• Avoid consuming foods that may trigger an episode of cyclic vomiting syndrome.
• Seek early treatment for infections or allergies, if any.

Living with cyclic vomiting syndrome can be a fairly terrifying experience for patients as well as their relatives or bystanders. It can affect the patient physically in the form of inflammation of the stomach, esophagus due to excess vomiting, nausea and retching, and also mentally as the event can be traumatizing.

It is therefore important to seek medical help for this syndrome and get treated for it at the earliest. Since more and more people are now resorting to natural or home remedies for treatment or management of their illnesses or disorders, this article has taken you through the details about how to treat cyclic vomiting syndrome naturally.