Cyclic vomiting syndrome

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Cyclic vomiting syndrome causes:

  • Severe vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Gagging
  • Pale complexion, often appears before a vomiting episode
  • Extreme fatigue

These signs and symptoms may occur an average of six times an hour. Episodes in children generally last only a day or two, but adults can have symptoms for almost a week. Adults tend to have about four episodes a year, while children may have 10 or more. Episodes typically begin late at night or early in the morning.

In addition, some people with cyclic vomiting syndrome may develop:

  • Sensitivity to light
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
References
  1. Dulude E, et al. Cyclic vomiting syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 26, 2010.
  2. Li BU, et al. North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition consensus statement on the diagnosis and management of cyclic vomiting syndrome. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2008;47:379.
  3. Cyclic vomiting syndrome. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/cvs/CyclicVomitingSyndrome.pdf. Accessed Sept. 26, 2010.
  4. Pareek NP. Cyclic vomiting syndrome: What a gastroenterologist needs to know. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2007;102:2832.
DS00835 Nov. 24, 2010

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