People are being warned about a little-known condition that could have you vomiting as many as eight times a day. Nobody is safe from the condition as it can affect anyone.
British GP Dr Ahmed says that cyclical vomiting syndrome is ‘another under-recognised condition’, and acknowledges the concern it can cause. He said: “With this syndrome, the patient has intense episodes of vomiting that can last a few days.
“They may vomit six, seven, eight times or more without a cause. Then, they generally have periods where they’re well, however the vomiting starts again maybe a month or so later.”
The NHS website clarifies that while cyclical vomiting syndrome tends to impact children around the age of five, adults are not immune. The NHS adds: “Cyclical vomiting syndrome often starts in children around five years old and improves as they get older. But it can also affect adults and is often more severe in adults who did not have the condition as a child.”
Symptoms appear quite common and might seem like a normal sickness bug at first with nausea followed by vomiting the main signs. This can make diagnosis challenging as it can often be put down to stomach bugs and other common sicknesses.
If the syndrome is responsible, then an attack could persist for a few hours but could render you sick for up to several days. Patients typically start with symptoms such as sweating, feeling unwell and appearing paler than usual, which then progresses to retching and vomiting.
Other signs of the syndrome can include:
- being very tired (exhaustion)
- loss of appetite
- tummy pain
- diarrhoea
- dizziness
- headaches
- eye pain when looking at bright lights
If you experience more than one episode a month, medication may be beneficial, reports the Express. The NHS states: “A doctor can also offer support if your child is struggling to cope with the symptoms of cyclical vomiting syndrome. In severe cases, hospital treatment may be required, with medicine and fluids administered intravenously to prevent dehydration and manage symptoms.”
Once these symptoms improve, most individuals with cyclical vomiting syndrome will feel better for several weeks or months until the next episode occurs. Monitoring your symptoms over time and giving this information to your doctor could be beneficial.
During an episode, the NHS recommends staying in bed and sleeping in a dark, quiet room. It is also important to keep taking small sips of fluid, such as water or diluted squash, to prevent dehydration during and after an episode of vomiting. A pharmacist can recommend oral rehydration solutions you mix with water and drink.
The exact cause of cyclical vomiting syndrome remains unknown. However, experts believe that it’s more likely to occur in individuals who have a family history of migraines, as similar triggers can set off both conditions, including certain foods, drinks, stress, anxiety and allergies. Lack of sleep, excessive exercise, colds, infections, and prolonged periods without food or fluid could also trigger episodes of vomiting.
There’s no cure for cyclic vomiting syndrome and treatment tends to focus on controlling the signs and symptoms instead with certain medicines. What you’re prescribed will depend on your symptoms and age – and may include anti-sickness pills or painkillers.
More information and support for people with cyclical vomiting syndrome is available online. Go to The Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome Association UK and The Migraine Trust.