Cyclic vomiting syndrome

The Mayo Clinic Diet Book, learn more

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor or your child's pediatrician. But you may be referred immediately to a digestive diseases specialist (gastroenterologist). If you or your child is in the middle of a severe vomiting episode, the doctor may recommend immediate medical care.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from the doctor.

What you can do

  • Keep a record of any symptoms, including how often vomiting occurs and any typical triggers you may have noticed, such as food or activity.
  • Write down key medical information, including other diagnosed conditions.
  • Write down key personal information, including dietary habits and any major stresses or recent changes — both positive and negative — in your child's life or yours.
  • Bring a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you or your child takes.
  • Write down questions to ask the doctor.

Questions to ask the doctor
Some basic questions to ask the doctor include:

  • What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
  • Are any tests needed?
  • Do you think this condition is temporary or long lasting?
  • What treatments do you recommend?
  • Is there a medication that can help?
  • Are there any dietary restrictions that can help?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from the doctor
Be ready to answer questions your doctor may ask:

  • When did you or your child begin experiencing symptoms?
  • How often does an episode of severe vomiting occur, and how many times do you or does your child typically vomit?
  • How long do the episodes typically last?
  • Do you or does your child experience abdominal pain?
  • Have you noticed any warning signs that an episode is coming, such as loss of appetite or feeling unusually tired, or any common triggers, such as intense emotions, illness or menstruation?
  • Have you or has your child been diagnosed with any other medical problems, including mental health conditions?
  • What treatments, including over-the-counter medications and home remedies, are you or your child taking for other conditions?
  • Does anything seem to improve the symptoms or shorten the duration of an episode?
  • Do you or does your child have any history of severe headaches?
  • Does anyone in your family have a history of cyclic vomiting syndrome or of migraines?

What you can do in the meantime
The doctor will likely want to see you or your child immediately if an episode of severe vomiting is underway. But if the vomiting has passed, recovery will be aided by getting lots of rest, increasing intake of fluids and following an easy-to-digest diet. It's also a good idea to avoid caffeinated beverages or foods containing caffeine.

Tests and diagnosis Complications
References
  1. Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6189-2..X0001-7--TOP&isbn=978-1-4160-6189-2&about=true&uniqId=229935664-2192. Accessed Feb. 15, 2013.
  2. Choung RS, et al. Cyclic vomiting syndrome and functional vomiting in adults: association with cannabinoid use in males. Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2012;24:20.
  3. Cyclic vomiting syndrome. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/cvs/index.aspx. Accessed Feb. 18, 2013.
  4. Kumar N, et al. Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS): Is there a difference based on onset of symptoms - pediatric versus adult? BMC Gastroenterology. 2012;12:52.
  5. Drumm BR, et al. Cyclical vomiting syndrome in children: A prospective study. Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2012;24:922.
  6. Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1608/0.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2013.
  7. Hejazi RA, et al. Review article: Cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults - rediscovering and redefining an old entity. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2011;34:263.
  8. AskMayoExpert. When should patients with nausea and vomiting be referred for subspecialty evaluation? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  9. Longo DL, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 18th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=9112783. Accessed Feb. 15, 2013.
  10. Slutsker B, et al. Breaking the cycle: Cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback training in a case of cyclic vomiting syndrome. Psychology, Health & Medicine. 2010;15:625.
  11. Boles RG. High degree of efficacy in the treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome with combined co-enzyme Q10, L-carnitine and amitriptyline, a case series. BMC Neurology. 2011;11:102.
  12. Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-2/0/1494/0.html. Accessed March 3, 2013.
  13. Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 4, 2013.
DS00835 April 19, 2013

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print

  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger