How is CVS diagnosed ?
CVS is hard to diagnose because no tests—such as a blood test or x ray—can determine a diagnosis of CVS. A doctor must look at symptoms and medical history to rule out other common diseases or disorders that can cause nausea and vomiting. Making a diagnosis takes time because the doctor also needs to identify a pattern or cycle to the vomiting.
Type of some tests carried out during diagnosis process .
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X-ray
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Ultrasound
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Barium swallow test
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Full metabolic work up ( Bloods and urine samples)
Possible complications of CVS
The severe vomiting that defines CVS is a risk factor for several complications:
Dehydration. Vomiting causes the body to lose water quickly. Dehydration can be severe and should be treated immediately.Electrolyte imbalance. Vomiting causes the body to lose important salts it needs to keep working properly.
Peptic esophagitis. The esophagus—the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach—becomes injured from stomach acid moving through it while vomiting.Hematemesis. The esophagus becomes irritated and bleeds, so blood mixes with vomit
.Mallory-Weiss tear. The lower end of the esophagus may tear open or the stomach may bruise from vomiting or retching.
Tooth decay. The acid in vomit can hurt teeth by corroding tooth enamel.
How is CVS treated ?
Treatment varies, but people with CVS . People with CVS are advised to get plenty of rest and sleep and to take medications that prevent a vomiting episode stop one in progress, speed up recovery, or relieve symptoms.Once a vomiting episode begins, treatment usually requires the person to stay in bed and sleep in a dark, quiet room. Severe nausea and vomiting may require hospitalization and intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. Sedatives may help if the nausea continues.Sometimes, during the early phase, it is possible to stop an episode from happening. For example, people with nausea or abdominal pain before an episode can ask their doctor about taking ondansetron (Zofran) or lorazepam (Ativan) for nausea or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain. Other medications that may be helpful are ranitidine (Zantac) or omeprazole (Prilosec), which help calm the stomach by lowering the amount of acid it makes.During the recovery phase, drinking water and replacing lost electrolytes are important. Symptoms during the recovery phase can vary. Some people find their appetite returns to normal immediately, while others need to begin by drinking clear liquids and then move slowly to solid food.People whose episodes are frequent and long-lasting may be treated during the symptom-free intervals in an effort to prevent or ease future episodes. Medications that help people with migraine headaches, such as propranolol (Inderal), cyproheptadine (Periactin), and amitriptyline (Elavil), are sometimes used during this phase, but they do not work for everyone. Taking the medicine daily for a few months may be necessary before one can tell if it helps.The symptom-free interval phase is a good time to eliminate anything known to trigger an episode. For example, if episodes are brought on by stress or excitement, a symptom-free interval phase is the time to find ways to reduce stress and stay calm. If sinus problems or allergies cause episodes, those conditions should be treated.