Cyclical vomiting syndrome
How should I manage a vomiting episode?
When a vomiting episode starts, it's a good idea to stay in bed in a dark, quiet room and take any medicines prescribed for this stage of the cycle.
Keep taking small sips of fluid to prevent dehydration eitherwater, diluted squash, diluted fruit juice or semi-skimmed milk.
Read about treating dehydration .
After the vomiting attack has finished:
- drink plenty of fluids and gradually resume your normal diet
- take any medicines prescribed to prevent future episodes
A child or adult who has been diagnosed withCVSwill usually be under the care of a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist.
Medication
Drug treatment tends to be a process of trial and error. The patient may be given any of the following:
- medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting such as ondansetron
- medicinefor abdominal pain such as ibuprofen
- medicine to control stomach acid production such as ranitidine, lanzoprazole or omeprazole; find out more about these medicines
- migraine treatments such as sumatriptan andpropranolol; read about medicine to relieve the symptoms of migraine and prevent migraine
It may take a while to find a medicine or combination of medicines that work, as not all these treatments work for everyone.
Hospital treatment
If nausea and vomiting is severe, hospital admission may be necessary. Medicine and fluids may need to be given intravenously (directly into a vein) to relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration. Nutrition may also need to be given intravenously if vomiting continues for days.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dez 2018
Introduction
NHS Choices information about cyclical vomiting syndrome, with links to other useful resources.
What are the symptoms?
Someone withCVSwill go through a regular cycleof feeling ill, recovering, feeling well and then feeling ill again. This cycle is made up of four phases: 1. Prodrome phase : feeling that an episod
What is the likely cause?
The cause ofCVSis currently unknown, but there may be a link with migraines . Many people withCVSdevelop migraines,and migraine medicines have been shown to help treat the syndrome. Vomiting episodes
Who is affected?
CVS is most commonly seen in children it's usually diagnosed at ages three to seven. Children who suffer migraines and sensitivity to light and sound are more likely to develop the condition. CVS c
How is a diagnosis made?
A GPwill take their patient's family and medical history, and a full account of their symptoms. A child may be suspected to haveCVSif the following apply: they havehad at least five vomiting episod
How should I manage a vomiting episode?
When a vomiting episode starts, it's a good idea to stay in bed in a dark, quiet room and take any medicines prescribed for this stage of the cycle. Keep taking small sips of fluid to prevent dehydra
Can vomiting attacks be prevented?
It may be possible to prevent or lessen vomiting attacks by: avoiding known triggers such as certain foods getting enough sleep treating any sinus problems or allergies tackling any stress o
What are the possible complications?
Severe vomitingepisodes can lead to: dehydration oesophagitis (inflammation of the gullet lining) a tear in the lining of the gullet tooth decay gastroparesis (where the stomach cannot empt
Further advice and support
Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome Association UK
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