A disturbing and bizarre medical condition colloquially known as "scromiting" is seeing an increase in cases, with health experts linking it directly to chronic marijuana use. The phenomenon, which involves severe vomiting and screaming, presents a significant and growing public health concern.
What is Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome?
The medical term for this alarming condition is cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). It is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense, uncontrollable nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The nickname "scromiting" originates from the combination of screaming and vomiting that sufferers often experience during these debilitating episodes.
This syndrome is specifically associated with long-term, heavy use of cannabis. Paradoxically, many individuals report that they initially used marijuana to alleviate nausea, only to develop this severe reaction after prolonged use. The condition was first documented in medical literature in 2004, but awareness and diagnosis have increased significantly in recent years.
Symptoms and Diagnosis Challenges
Identifying CHS can be challenging for healthcare providers. The primary symptoms include cyclic vomiting, severe abdominal cramping, and compulsive hot bathing. A unique hallmark of the syndrome is that patients frequently find temporary relief from symptoms by taking long, hot showers or baths, a behavior not typically seen with other gastrointestinal disorders.
Episodes can last for hours or even days, leading to dangerous complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and kidney injury. The condition often leads to multiple emergency room visits before a correct diagnosis is made, as its symptoms can mimic other illnesses like food poisoning or cyclic vomiting syndrome.
A Growing Concern Amid Legalization
The reported rise in cases comes in the context of Canada's legalized recreational cannabis market. With increased accessibility and consumption, medical professionals are urging both the public and healthcare workers to be more aware of this potential risk associated with heavy, long-term use.
The only known cure for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is complete cessation of cannabis use. For many patients, symptoms resolve within days or weeks of stopping. However, relapse is common if use resumes, often leading to the return of the severe vomiting cycles. This presents a significant challenge for individuals with cannabis dependence.
Health authorities emphasize the importance of education. While cannabis is widely used for both medicinal and recreational purposes, understanding its potential adverse effects, including CHS, is crucial for public safety. Patients experiencing unexplained cyclic vomiting are advised to disclose their cannabis use history fully to their doctors to aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
