What Is Scromiting? | Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

What Is Scromiting?

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), is a medical condition linked to the chronic use of cannabis. Cannabis is also commonly referred to as marijuana or weed. This syndrome was first identified and described in 2004, so it’s a fairly recent discovery in the medical world.

The key symptoms of CHS are persistent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. Additionally, individuals suffering from this syndrome often experience significant abdominal pain. These symptoms can be quite distressing, leading to an experience referred to as “scromiting.” This term is derived from the words “screaming” and “vomiting,” depicting the intense discomfort that someone may experience due to continuous and severe vomiting, to the point that it prompts involuntary screaming. 

Symptoms of Scromiting

To identify scromiting, it’s important to understand its symptoms. These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration but typically include:

• Intense vomiting episodes accompanied by severe pain and screaming.
• Feelings of nausea and discomfort in the stomach.
• A desire to take frequent hot baths or showers to temporarily alleviate the symptoms.
• Abdominal pain.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss due to persistent vomiting.
• Dehydration.

What Is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a serious and potentially severe medical disorder. Occasionally referred to as “marijuana illness,” CHS can provoke intensive vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and dehydration. Managing this condition can be challenging and a lack of awareness often leads to stressful nights in emergency rooms. Due to the severity of the syndrome, many individuals require hospital care and IV fluids during a CHS episode.

CHS doesn’t affect everyone who uses cannabis. Oddly enough, many properties found in cannabis can actually lessen vomiting, which is why cannabis is often used to treat chemotherapy-induced vomiting and cyclic vomiting syndrome.

While data on the causes of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome are limited, research studies show that CHS may result from chronic overstimulation of the brain’s endocannabinoid system. Simply put, people who use cannabis in large amounts and/or at a high frequency often end up damaging their brain’s ability to control nausea and vomiting.

In general, those who are more prone to developing CHS are people who frequently smoke marijuana or cannabis users who have been using it regularly for over a year. As of now, there’s no conclusive evidence suggesting a specific quantity of cannabis intake increases the likelihood of developing CHS. However, higher dosages have been associated more frequently with the occurrence of scromiting.

What Are the Phases of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?

Research on this type of cannabis sickness found that the syndrome is broken down into phases.

Generally, CHS progresses through three main phases:

1. Prodromal Phase: In this initial phase, the person may start to have early symptoms like nausea and abdominal discomfort, particularly in the morning. At this stage, people often increase their use of cannabis as they believe it will help with nausea. This phase can last for months or even years.
2. Hyperemetic Phase: This is the most severe phase. The person experiences continuous, unrelenting nausea and episodes of intense vomiting. They might also have stomach pain and loss of appetite. The symptoms can be so severe that they may require hospitalization for dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. Some people find relief in hot showers or baths, but the reason for this is not well understood.
3. Recovery Phase: This phase begins once the person stops using cannabis. Nausea and vomiting gradually decrease and the person starts to regain their normal eating patterns, feeling better overall. The recovery phase can last for days, weeks, or months depending on the person and the severity of their CHS. 

It’s crucial to note that if cannabis use is resumed, the symptoms of CHS can return, and the cycle can begin again. For this reason, it is important for people to seek help in quitting cannabis and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of CHS if they decide to resume using the drug.

Is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Dangerous?

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome can be harmful, even though it is not typically life-threatening. The most significant danger comes from excessive vomiting, a major symptom of CHS. When a person vomits too much, they can get very dehydrated, lose important minerals called electrolytes from their body, and even have their kidneys stop working properly.

If caught early and treated properly, these issues can be avoided. Immediate and proper medical attention is the key to managing CHS safely. If you stop using cannabis, the condition can improve over time, and the danger of CHS can completely resolve without additional harm. 

Is There a Cure for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?

While there is no guaranteed cure for CHS, the main form of treatment is to stop using cannabis, which often relieves scromiting symptoms. Other helpful actions include taking hot baths for comfort, staying hydrated, and using medication to reduce vomiting. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to stabilize the individual, stop vomiting, and restore proper hydration and electrolyte levels