How is CVS managed
Treating CVS is challenging due to limited research supporting a specific treatment approach. Therefore, treatment frequently involves a trial-and-error process tailored to the individual's unique needs. Available treatment options include:
It may take a while to find a medicine or combination of medicines that work, as not all these treatments work for everyone.
When should I seek help?
You should seek medical help if
You should seek medical help right away if you have any signs or symptoms of dehydration during the vomiting phase. These signs and symptoms may include
How can my diet help prevent or relieve cyclic vomiting syndrome?
While adhering to a specific diet may not prevent or alleviate episodes, it can aid in your recovery and overall health. Your healthcare provider may also suggest incorporating dietary supplements like coenzyme Q10, levocarnitine (L-carnitine), or riboflavin to help mitigate episodes.
What should I eat and drink if I have cyclic vomiting syndrome?
Once you have stopped experiencing nausea and vomiting, you can usually resume your normal diet immediately. However, in some instances, starting with clear liquids and gradually transitioning back to regular foods may be advised. It is important to consume balanced and nourishing meals during recovery and in-between episodes. Skipping meals should also be avoided at the recommendation of your doctors. If suffering from dehydration, it is essential to drink ample amounts of fluids, preferably those containing glucose and electrolytes.
What should I avoid eating if I have cyclic vomiting syndrome?
In between episodes, you should avoid eating foods that may have triggered past episodes. Eating certain foods such as chocolate, cheese, and foods with monosodium glutamate (MSG), may trigger an episode in some people. Adults may find drinking alcohol is a trigger.
Treating CVS is challenging due to limited research supporting a specific treatment approach. Therefore, treatment frequently involves a trial-and-error process tailored to the individual's unique needs. Available treatment options include:
- Medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting – such as ondansetron
- Medicine for abdominal pain – such as ibuprofen or is severe cases opioids
- Medicine to control stomach acid production – such as ranitidine, lansoprazole or omeprazole
- Migraine treatments – such as sumatriptan and propranolol
It may take a while to find a medicine or combination of medicines that work, as not all these treatments work for everyone.
When should I seek help?
You should seek medical help if
- the medicines your doctor recommended or prescribed for the prodrome phase don’t relieve your symptoms
- your episode is severe and lasts more than several hours
- you are not able to take in foods or liquids for several hours
You should seek medical help right away if you have any signs or symptoms of dehydration during the vomiting phase. These signs and symptoms may include
- extreme thirst and dry mouth
- urinating less than usual
- dark-coloured urine
- dry mouth
- decreased skin turgor, meaning that when your skin is pinched and released, the skin does not flatten back to normal right away
- sunken eyes or cheeks
- light-headedness or fainting
- thirst
- urinating less than usual, or no wet diapers for 3 hours or more
- lack of energy
- dry mouth
- no tears when crying
- decreased skin turgor
- sunken eyes or cheeks
- unusually cranky or drowsy behaviour
How can my diet help prevent or relieve cyclic vomiting syndrome?
While adhering to a specific diet may not prevent or alleviate episodes, it can aid in your recovery and overall health. Your healthcare provider may also suggest incorporating dietary supplements like coenzyme Q10, levocarnitine (L-carnitine), or riboflavin to help mitigate episodes.
What should I eat and drink if I have cyclic vomiting syndrome?
Once you have stopped experiencing nausea and vomiting, you can usually resume your normal diet immediately. However, in some instances, starting with clear liquids and gradually transitioning back to regular foods may be advised. It is important to consume balanced and nourishing meals during recovery and in-between episodes. Skipping meals should also be avoided at the recommendation of your doctors. If suffering from dehydration, it is essential to drink ample amounts of fluids, preferably those containing glucose and electrolytes.
- broths
- caffeine-free soft drinks
- fruit juices
- sports drinks
- oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte
- Family eating nutritious foods.
What should I avoid eating if I have cyclic vomiting syndrome?
In between episodes, you should avoid eating foods that may have triggered past episodes. Eating certain foods such as chocolate, cheese, and foods with monosodium glutamate (MSG), may trigger an episode in some people. Adults may find drinking alcohol is a trigger.
