Cyclical vomiting syndrome is a condition in which a person experiences severe bouts of nausea. A single bout of nausea in cyclical vomiting syndrome may last for several days, or if you are lucky, for a few hours. The syndrome usually alternates with periods when you experience none of the symptoms experienced otherwise. For long, this syndrome was considered to be a disease only limited to children. However, there have been many reported cases of cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults.
Most medical researchers believe that there is a connection between cyclic vomiting syndrome in children and headaches and migraines. The cyclic vomiting symptoms remain the same in each bout of vomiting. Each of the episodes of cyclic vomiting syndrome is similar to the previous one. These episodes begin at a particular time of the day and may last a particular length of time. Subsequent bouts of cyclic vomiting syndrome will also usually have similar characteristics.
The episodes of cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults as well as children are usually mild. However, if the condition is severe, the person suffering from it may have to remain in bed for several days. During this time, the person may also not be able to go to work or resume any other activity of their normal routine. The incidence of cyclic vomiting syndrome is not known exactly. However, it is believed that most cases go unreported and the disease is more common than is believed. A lot of people with cyclic vomiting syndrome are usually misdiagnosed at first. A lot of time may be spent ruling out diseases that have symptoms similar to those of cyclic vomiting syndrome. In most cases, cyclic vomiting syndrome is disruptive and may cause a lot of grief not only to the person suffering from it, but also other people around them.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults or in children occurs in four distinct phases. The first phase is the prodrome phase. This is the phase when the first cycle of nausea and vomiting begins. There may be a strong feeling of nausea, along with severe abdominal pain. This particular phase usually lasts for several hours, and in severe cases, several days. The next phase is the vomiting phase. This is the phase when the nausea stops and the actual vomiting begins. This marks the inability to consume foods or drinks. You may also not be able to take any medications without vomiting.
The next phase is the symptom free phase. This is the interval in which the symptoms are in remission. And the final phase is that of recovery. This happens when the nausea and vomiting stop and healthy appetite is regained. There are several things that may trigger off an attack. Stress, cold, allergies, and panic are some of the common triggers. Some foods may also trigger off cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults. These triggers may have to be avoided as an alternative to cyclic vomiting syndrome treatment.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults’ treatment is usually very difficult because most tests are not able to diagnose the condition. Blood tests or even X-rays are not able to diagnose the condition, and therefore, most doctors have to first rule out several other conditions before diagnosing it correctly. People who are experiencing the vomiting phase are hardly able to hold their medications down. For most people, therefore, treatment for cyclic vomiting syndrome is usually bed rest and sleep. People who experience the condition several times are able to control their symptoms and therefore, find relief. Cyclical vomiting syndrome treatment may entail a diet as well. Some people have found relief from consuming a cyclic vomiting syndrome diet that aims to avoid consuming foods that may trigger off an attack.