CANNABINOID HYPEREMESIS SYNDROME IN A 20-YEAR-OLD MALE PATIENT: A CASE REPORT
Keywords:
cannabinoid hyperemesis; cannabis; cyclic vomiting; emergencies; haloperidol; capsaicinAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/gt.v9i17.0366
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a gut-brain disorder associated with chronic cannabis use, characterized by recurrent episodes of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, with a limited response to conventional antiemetics and often transient relief with hot baths or showers. Case presentation: A 20-year-old male, with no relevant comorbidities, presented with intractable vomiting of 48 hours and epigastric pain. He reported daily cannabis use for 4 years and partial improvement of symptoms with hot showers. After an initial evaluation with no findings of acute abdomen and an insufficient response to ondansetron, intravenous hydration, electrolyte correction, and treatment with haloperidol and topical capsaicin were initiated, resulting in significant clinical improvement. Counseling for cannabis cessation and outpatient follow-up were provided. Conclusion: CHS should be considered in young patients with recurrent vomiting and a history of frequent cannabis use, especially if relief is provided by hot water. Sustained abstinence is the key intervention to prevent recurrences.
Keywords: cannabinoid hyperemesis; cannabis; cyclic vomiting; emergencies; haloperidol; capsaicin.
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