What is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, Causes and Homeopathic Treatment

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a disorder in which there occur episodes of intense nausea and vomiting lasting from few hours to few days. In between these episodes, symptom-free period occurs. It can affect persons of any age group but it usually starts in childhood around 3-7 yrs of age. The characteristic of this syndrome is that the symptoms begin at the same time of the day, have the same intensity and last for the same duration of time in a particular person. The reason behind CVS is not clearly known, but what is known is that the vomiting in this syndrome does not arise from any infection or any medical condition. Vomiting and nausea are the main symptoms of CVS.

Other attending symptoms might include retching, abdomen pain, decreased appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, sensitivity to light and increased thirst. There are no tests to diagnose this condition. CVS is diagnosed by ruling out medical conditions (like gastritis, pancreatitis, food allergies, GERD i.e. gastroesophageal reflux disease etc.) that can cause symptoms similar to this condition. Some of the complications that can arise in this condition include dehydration from loss of body fluid, damage to the lining of food pipe from rise of stomach acid in the food pipe and decay of the tooth enamel from acidic vomiting.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic medicines offer a very natural, safe and effective treatment for cyclic vomiting syndrome. Homeopathic medicines help to treat this condition symptomatically and gradually decrease the intensity and frequency of symptoms in this complaint. It can control complaint of vomiting and nausea magnificently. Besides, they can also manage associated symptoms like weakness, abdomen pain and headache. Homeopathic medicines are helpful in managing acute episodes of this complaint as well as in overcoming the tendency to have recurrent episodes of this problem. Homeopathic medicines for this complaint are prescribed individually in every case as per the presenting symptoms. It is recommended to get any case of cyclic vomiting syndrome evaluated by a homeopathic physician and take medicines as per physician’s advice. Self – medication should be avoided. Severe and continued vomiting can cause dehydration and that can be life threatening. So in any case signs of dehydration are seen or blood occurs in the vomit, one must immediately get help from conventional mode of treatment as homeopathy has limitation in helping such critical cases. Some of the signs of dehydration are decreased urination, skin dryness, dryness of mouth, increased thirst, exhaustion, sunken eyes and lack of tears while crying.

What Are The Causes Of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?

The cause behind CVS is not understood yet. However it is suggested that a genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalance and problem in the nervous system may play a role. Besides, it is also suggested that migraine may be linked with it. Children having CVS may have a family history of migraine and a tendency to develop migraine when they become adults. There are some known trigger factors for symptoms of CVS. These include cold, sinus infections, stress, anxiety, panic attack, emotional excitement, physical exhaustion, menstrual periods, excessive exercise, hot weather, motion sickness (inner ear disturbance caused by repeated motion of vehicle), fasting, lack of sleep, taking some particular food items (like chocolate, alcohol, cheese, caffeine, MSG i.e. monosodium glutamate) and overeating.

Homeopathic Medicines For Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

1. Ipecac – Top Medicine

Ipecac is a top natural medicine for managing episodes of nausea and vomiting. In cases needing it, vomiting may have watery fluids, green/yellow-colored fluid or undigested food. Abdomen pain can attend it. Stomach may be sensitive to pressure. There may occur distension of the abdomen and throat dryness. After vomiting, the person may have desire to sleep. Loose stool can also occur along with vomiting. In some cases, vomiting occurs soon after eating. Nausea may get triggered from the smell of food. There may be excessive weakness.

2. Colchicum – For Nausea, Vomiting With Watery Stool

This medicine is well indicated when there occurs vomiting and nausea along with watery stool. Vomiting may be caused by movement of the body. It gets better by lying down perfectly still. There may occur a burning sensation in the stomach pit followed by nausea and then vomiting. Vomiting is followed by weakness. Nausea is particularly triggered from smell of cooking food especially eggs, fish and meat. Along with the above symptoms, there may occur pain in the stomach and an icy cold feeling.

3. Arsenic Album – For Vomiting Along With Weakness

This medicine is helpful for managing cases where vomiting is accompanied with excessive weakness. Vomiting occurs soon after eating or drinking. Vomiting may contain food, clear water or gastric fluids. Loose stool may occur along with vomiting. Nausea is also felt. Sight or smell of food is unbearable along with these symptoms. Anxiety and restlessness can be prominently experienced in cases requiring this medicine.

4. Nux Vomica – For Nausea And Vomiting In Morning

Nux Vomica is an effective medicine for those suffering episodes of nausea and vomiting in the morning. The vomiting may contain sour mucus or oily substance. Pain is felt in the stomach which gets worse especially after eating. A sensation of weight is also felt in the stomach. The stomach region may be sensitive to pressure. Nux Vomica is the best indicated medicine to manage gastric issues that occur from taking alcohol, and coffee.

5. Iris Versicolor – For Periodical Vomiting Episodes Every 4 To 6 Weeks

This medicine is recommended for cases when there occur periodical episodes of vomiting at interval of 4 to 6 weeks.  Each episode may last for 2 to 3 days. Vomiting is attended with nausea. Vomiting is of sour tasting fluid. Before vomiting, pain is felt around the navel area. Sweating may occur after vomiting. Excessive heat in the head and weakness is also felt after vomiting. This medicine is also extremely helpful when nausea occurs after overexertion. Lastly, it is of great use in cases where nausea, vomiting occur along with headache.

6. Cocculus Indicus – For Nausea, Vomiting Triggered By Motion Sickness

This is the best medicine to deal with cases where motion sickness seems to trigger the symptoms. There occur nausea and vomiting when travelling in a car, train or a boat in cases needing this medicine. It is attended with bitter and foul smelling burps. Vertigo can occur along with nausea and vomiting.

7. Veratrum Album – With Marked Exhaustion

This medicine is beneficial in managing vomiting attended with intense exhaustion. There is excessive vomiting along with continued nausea. It occurs from drinking fluid and also from movement. It can be attended with vertigo and cold sweat. Loose motion may occur besides vomiting.

8. Colocynth – With Pain In Abdomen

Colocynth is considered in case of nausea and vomiting attended with pain in abdomen. Vomiting may contain food or yellow bitter fluid. Abdomen pain can be cramping or cutting in nature. It gets better by applying pressure and bending forward. In cases where anger triggers vomiting episode, Colocynth proves to be the most suited medicine.

9. Ferrum Met – For Vomiting After Exertion

This medicine is prominently indicated when vomiting occurs after exertion. Along with vomiting, the face becomes fiery red. The person experiences nausea attended with headache. It is also indicated for vomiting that occur soon after eating. It is attended with a constant pressure feeling in the pit of the stomach. Vomiting has a sour and acidic taste.

10. Sepia – For Nausea And Vomiting Triggered During Menses

This medicine gives great relief in cases where nausea and vomiting get triggered during menstrual period. Headache may be felt on one side of the head. There is also excessive weakness with a desire to lie down. Nausea gets worse from smell of cooking food.