Cyclic vomiting syndrome history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
History and Symptoms
CVS differs from other forms of vomiting as it is an acute condition. Sufferers may vomit six times an hour and an episode may last from 1 day to over 2 weeks. Some people find it hard to conceive how anyone can vomit after that length of time, as the stomach will have emptied after the first few emeses. Acid, bile and; if the vomiting is severe, blood, may be vomited. Some sufferers will intentionally ingest water to reduce the irritation of bile and acid on the esophagus during emeses. Between episodes the sufferer is usually otherwise normal and healthy. The median duration of an episode is 41 hours (Li & Fleisher 1999). In approximately half of sufferers the attacks, or episodes, occur in a time related manner. Each attack is stereotypical, i.e. in any given individual their timing, frequency and severity of attacks is similar.
Episodes may happen every few days or every few months. For some there is not a pattern in time that can be recognized. Some sufferers have a warning of an attack, they may experience a prodrome, usually intense nausea and pallor. The majority of sufferers, but not all can identify "triggers" that may precipitate an attack.
The most common are various foods, infections (such as colds), extreme physical exertion, lack of sleep, and psychological stresses both positive and negative.
During an attack a sufferer may be light sensitive (photophobic), sound sensitive (phonophobic) and may take on a semi-conscious state.
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