CASE REPORTCannabinoid Hyperemesis Relieved by Compulsive Bathing
Section snippets
Case 1
An obese 25-year-old woman who was a long-term cannabinoid user presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that worsened for several days. During the previous 5 years, the patient had noted intermittent episodes of similar symptoms, each lasting about a week and often requiring hospitalization for dehydration. Her symptoms were refractory to all types of antiemetic medications and only responded to prolonged hot showers, some lasting 6 hours or more. Her
DISCUSSION
Cannabinoid hyperemesis, an often unrecognized adverse effect of marijuana use, is characterized by repeated vomiting without an obvious organic cause and learned compulsive bathing behavior. The symptoms resolve in 24 to 48 hours with conservative management and cessation of marijuana use. Both patients about whom we report here exhibited these outcomes.
The mechanism of cannabinoid hyperemesis is unknown. Marijuana, whether taken as a pill or smoked, has been used to treat chemotherapy-induced
CONCLUSION
The toxicity and adverse consequences of long-term marijuana use are still under investigation. Marijuana may either cause or control nausea and vomiting, but the mechanism is unknown. Given the prevalence of illicit marijuana use and the increased popularity of marijuana use for medicinal purposes, these paradoxical effects require further investigation. This case report aims to raise awareness of the potential adverse effects of marijuana use and the importance of obtaining a thorough patient
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