Scromiting, a relatively new term in the lexicon of cannabis culture, combines “screaming” and #1excludeGlossary to describe the harrowing experience of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). This condition, which affects some chronic cannabis users, manifests as severe nausea, repeated vomiting, and abdominal pain, often leading to vocal expressions of agony. The term scromiting has evolved alongside the growing legalization and use of cannabis, highlighting a lesser-known risk associated with its consumption. Initially, the symptoms of scromiting were often attributed to other gastrointestinal issues, but as medical professionals have become more familiar with CHS, the term has gained legitimacy and recognition. In the context of the modern cannabis industry, scromiting underscores the importance of responsible use and awareness of potential side effects. As cannabis continues to be embraced for its therapeutic benefits, understanding terms like scromiting is crucial for both consumers and healthcare providers. [Source: Harvard Health, WebMD]
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is recurrent nausea, vomiting, and cramping abdominal pain that can occur due to cannabis use.
| Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Gastroenterology |
| Symptoms | Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain |
| Complications | Kidney failure |
| Causes | Use of cannabis |
| Diagnostic method | Based on the symptoms |
| Differential diagnosis | Cyclical vomiting syndrome |
| Treatment | Cannabis cessation, hot baths and showers |
| Medication | Capsaicin cream, haloperidol, levomepromazine, ondansetron, lorazepam, diphenhydramine |
CHS is associated with frequent (weekly or more often), long-term (several months or longer) cannabis use; synthetic cannabinoids can also cause CHS. The underlying mechanism is unclear, with several possibilities proposed. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms; a history of cannabis use, especially persistent, frequent use of high-dose cannabis products; and ruling out other possible causes of hyperemesis (persistent vomiting). The condition is typically present for some time before the diagnosis is made.
The only known curative treatment for CHS is to stop using cannabis. Symptoms usually remit after two weeks of complete abstinence, although some patients continue to experience nausea, cyclic vomiting, or abdominal pain for up to 90 days. Treatments during an episode of vomiting are generally supportive in nature (one example being hydration). There is tentative evidence for the use of capsaicin cream on the abdomen during an acute episode.
Frequent hot showers or baths are both a possible sign (diagnostic indicator) of CHS, and a short-term palliative treatment (often called hot water hydrotherapy in the medical literature).
Another condition that presents similarly is cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS). The primary differentiation between CHS and CVS is that cessation of cannabis use resolves CHS, but not CVS. Another key difference is that CVS symptoms typically begin during the early morning; predominant morning symptoms are not characteristic of CHS. Distinguishing the two can be difficult since many people with CVS use cannabis, possibly to relieve their symptoms.
The syndrome was first described in 2004, and simplified diagnostic criteria were published in 2009.
English
Etymology
Blend of scream + vomiting.
Noun
scromiting (uncountable)
- (informal) Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which has the characteristic symptom of screaming and vomiting.