Study Links Rise in 'Scromiting' to Chronic Marijuana Use in Young Patients
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IN SHORT
A condition known as cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), nicknamed 'scromiting' on social media, is increasingly affecting young marijuana users. Patients experience severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, often leading to repeated emergency room visits and potential life-threatening complications.
Key Numbers
2004year CHS first described by Australian researchers
19chronic marijuana users studied in initial CHS report
2015year of study showing nearly doubled CHS presentations after medical marijuana l
226%increase in annual cannabis sales in Colorado between 2014 and 2021
Who's Involved
Dr. Sam Wang
pediatric emergency medicine specialist and toxicologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado
Kennon Heard
Professor in the University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Emergency Medicine
↳ Why This Matters
The increasing prevalence of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, particularly among young people, highlights potential health risks associated with chronic and high-potency marijuana use. It underscores the need for greater awareness among healthcare providers and the public regarding the syndrome's symptoms, potential severity, and the importance of cessation for affected individuals.
Key facts
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), colloquially known as 'scromiting,' is a condition characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in chronic marijuana users.
Young patients, including adolescents, are increasingly presenting to emergency rooms with these symptoms.
A common self-treatment for CHS is the use of extremely hot showers or baths, though the reason for this relief is not fully understood.
The condition can lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and potentially life-threatening complications if not managed.
Studies suggest a correlation between the liberalization of marijuana laws and an increase in CHS cases.
The rising potency of THC in cannabis products is considered a potential factor contributing to the syndrome's prevalence.
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition marked by severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in chronic marijuana users, is on the rise, particularly among young patients. Social media has dubbed the syndrome 'scromiting' due to the combination of screaming and vomiting experienced by sufferers. These individuals often present to emergency rooms with intense intestinal distress, writhing in pain and unable to stop vomiting for hours.
Immediate treatment typically involves anti-nausea medications and intravenous fluids to combat dehydration. However, patients also undergo extensive testing to rule out other potential causes of their symptoms. For some adolescents, these emergency room visits can become recurrent, occurring multiple times within short periods.
CHS was first identified in 2004 by Australian researchers who observed that symptoms subsided when cannabis use ceased but returned upon resumption. A peculiar characteristic of the syndrome is the tendency for patients to seek relief through extremely hot showers or baths, a practice that remains medically unexplained.
One theory suggests that the intense heat sensation may interrupt the pain cycle, while another points to the paradoxical effects of THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, which can both alleviate and induce nausea and vomiting depending on dosage and individual factors. The increasing potency of THC in contemporary cannabis products is considered a significant contributing factor to the rise in CHS cases.
In states like Colorado, which pioneered cannabis legalization, emergency departments have reported a substantial increase in CHS presentations. Studies have indicated a near doubling of such cases following the liberalization of medical marijuana laws, with further increases observed after recreational sales began. This trend is mirrored by a significant rise in overall cannabis sales in the state.
Frequently asked questions
'Scromiting' is a social media nickname for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition characterized by screaming and intense vomiting associated with chronic marijuana use.
Symptoms include severe nausea, recurrent vomiting, dry heaves that can last for hours, and intense abdominal pain.
Treatment involves anti-nausea medications, IV fluids for dehydration, and importantly, cessation of cannabis use. Patients often use hot showers or baths for temporary relief.
Yes, CHS can lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, shock, and organ failure if left untreated or if cannabis use continues.
What Happens Next
01Further research into the underlying mechanisms of CHS and the effectiveness of various treatments.
02Public health campaigns to educate about the risks of chronic cannabis use and CHS symptoms.
How It Developed
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), or 'scromiting,' is a condition linked to chronic marijuana use.
Young patients, including teenagers, are presenting in emergency rooms with severe intestinal distress, nausea, and vomiting.
Symptoms include uncontrollable vomiting for hours, severe abdominal pain, and a tendency to use scalding hot showers or baths for relief.
Initial medical treatment involves anti-nausea medications and IV fluids, followed by tests to rule out other conditions.
Some adolescents experience recurrent ER visits for CHS symptoms.
CHS can be life-threatening if left untreated, leading to electrolyte disturbances, shock, and organ failure.
The condition was first described in 2004 by Australian researchers studying chronic marijuana users.
Symptoms of CHS resolve when cannabis use stops but return upon resumption.
