Medicinal Treatments and Natural Remedies for Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

Medicinal Treatments and Natural Remedies for Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

Precio Daramola |Mar 22, 2021

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Treatment Plans

Cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a rare disorder that usually starts in childhood. It typically affects children aged 3 to 7, but it can also affect adults. It is characterized by repeated episodes of severe vomiting and nausea that often persist for a long time. Although the condition can be quite disturbing, it is manageable with healthy lifestyle changes and medication. So, what are the best cyclic vomiting syndrome treatment options? Let's take a look.

What Causes Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?

The exact cause of CVS is not known. Still, experts have linked the condition with digestive issues, genetics, and hormone imbalances.

Many people diagnosed with CVS have abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling blood pressure, digestion, and other involuntary functions in the body. Vomiting episodes that characterize CVS may be triggered by:

  • Emotional stress
  • Physical stress, such as inadequate sleep, exhaustion, or an infection
  • Some foods and drinks, such as chocolate, cheese, and things that contain caffeine or alcohol
  • Extreme weather conditions
  • Menstrual periods
  • Allergies
  • Overeating, not eating for long periods, or eating just before going to bed

What Are the Symptoms of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?

In addition to the severe, recurrent episodes of nausea and vomiting, the following have also been found to be associated with CVS:

  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Dry heaving
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Increased sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pale skin
  • Stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Lifestyle and Home Remedies to Manage Symptoms

Lifestyle changes can help control the signs and symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome. If you have CVS, it is advisable that you try to get adequate sleep, and once you start vomiting, staying in bed in a dark, quiet room will help.

When the vomiting phase has stopped, it is important that you take in fluids such as sports or energy drinks (like Gatorade, Powerade, and others) diluted with 1 ounce of water or an oral electrolyte solution (Pedialyte).

Some people, after vomiting episodes, may soon feel strong enough to begin eating a regular diet. However, where there is no appetite to eat, you should start with clear liquids and gradually add solid food.

In cases where the vomiting episodes are triggered by stress or excitement, try your best to reduce stress. Also, reducing your portion sizes by eating small meals and low-fat snacks daily, instead of three large meals, may help.

How is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Diagnosed?

CVS can be difficult to diagnose because there is no specific test to confirm the diagnosis, and vomiting is a sign of many other health conditions. Since it is common mostly with kids, your doctor may first want to find out about your child's or your medical history and conduct a physical exam. The doctor will also want to find out the pattern of symptoms that you or your child experiences.

After that, the doctor may further recommend the following:

  • Imaging studies: these could include an endoscopy, ultrasound, or a CT scan to check for blockages in the digestive system or signs of other digestive conditions.
  • Motility tests: these are carried out to monitor food movement through the digestive system and check for other digestive disorders.
  • Laboratory tests: these check for thyroid problems and other metabolic conditions.

Are There Treatment Options for Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?

There is no cure for CVS; however, in most cases, the vomiting episodes stop when a child reaches adulthood. For those experiencing a cyclic vomiting episode, treatment focuses on controlling the signs and symptoms by prescribing the following medications:

  • Anti-nausea drugs
  • Pain-relieving medications
  • Medications that suppress stomach acid
  • Antidepressants
  • Anti-seizure medications

Sometimes, the same types of medications used for checking migraines can also help prevent cyclic vomiting episodes. These medications may be recommended for people whose episodes are frequent and long-lasting or for people with a family history of migraines. IV fluids may also be given to prevent dehydration. However, in general, treatment is usually administered based on the severity and duration of symptoms as well as the presence of complications.

Can Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Be Prevented?

It is not possible to prevent the onset of CVS, but the following steps can be taken to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes:

  • Identify specific triggers and avoid them.
  • Do not stop taking your prescribed medication, even when feeling well.
  • Make sure that you get quality sleep regularly.
  • Treat any allergies, sinus problems, or other illnesses or infections immediately.
  • Ensure you find effective ways of managing stress and anxiety.
  • Have regular meals.
  • Stay in touch with your doctor. Discuss any changes in symptoms and methods of prevention.

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Is An Epsom Salt Bath Good for UTIs?

Pamela Bandelaria | March 22, 2021

A Soak Could Help You Find Some Relief Urinary tract infections are one of the most common outpatient consultations in the United States. They are one of the most common causes of fever in the young and elderly and can cause urinary incontinence in women. Yearly, around 250,000 cases of kidney infections or pyelonephritis occur among women in the United States. Costs for the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections in the United States can reach up to a total of $2-3 billion dollars a year. It might seem like a simple infection, but it can be really costly when you think of it from that scale. It is an essential infection to treat because it can lead to serious complications such as sepsis and renal damage if left untreated. That is why a lot of other remedies are being tested to see if they can alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections. 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Because they are rich in magnesium, they can help cleanse the urinary tract and aid in the healing process. The increased concentration of magnesium sulfate is believed to help change the environment in the urinary tract, which can lead to conditions unfavorable for bacteria to grow. It can help prevent bacteria from growing or multiplying when you soak in an Epsom salt bath and has a disinfectant property. Epsom salt baths can also improve the circulation of blood in the body. It can cause dilation of the blood vessels leading to improved blood flow, which also promotes the passage of cells that help in the body’s immunity. Epsom salt baths provide an overall relaxing and calming experience that can leave you feeling detoxified as well. Are Epsom Salt Baths the Answer to UTIs? Although Epsom salt baths may relieve urinary tract infection symptoms, there is not enough evidence to recommend using Epsom salts over established treatments like antibiotics. 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10 Most Common Symptoms of Poor Circulation

John David Abundo | March 22, 2021

Symptoms of Poor Circulation In this article, we will focus on the symptoms of poor circulation and when you should seek medical help. Signs of Poor Circulation 1. Varicose Veins If the valves in the veins of the legs are damaged, your blood will find it difficult to get back to the heart. This results in engorged veins and will eventually cause varicosities in the legs. Varicose veins are more common to those who regularly stand for long periods. 2. Painful Muscle Cramping The most common symptom of poor circulation is claudication, described as muscle discomfort or painful cramping, particularly in the legs. This is felt when you exercise or walk and usually disappears after resting your legs. The muscles that are most involved are the hips, thighs or calves. Claudication happens if there is a hindrance to the normal blood flow. For example, in atherosclerosis, where there is a buildup of cholesterol plaques in the blood vessels, the muscles cannot get enough blood during physical activity. The cramping pain is the muscle’s way of warning you that it is not getting enough blood during exercise to meet its increased demand. 3. Numbness or Weakness Reduced blood flow to different body parts may cause slow and irreversible damage to the nerves, which may be felt as tingling, numbness or weakness in that area. This is particularly alarming because having numbness on the extremities decreases your skin’s sensitivity to pain. As a result, there may be instances where your skin has already been damaged or wounded, but you cannot feel it. 4. Temperature Differences in the Extremities Poor circulation can lead to fluctuations in your skin’s temperature regulation. For example, reduced blood flow to your hands or feet may make them colder than the other parts of your body. To assess the temperature of your skin, you can use the back of your hands for a more accurate assessment. 5. Wounds That Do Not Heal or Heal Slowly Wounds heal by the different components and cells delivered through the bloodstream to the affected area. When blood flow is compromised, the healing process takes much longer and may even lead to infections. Even the slightest break in the skin may lead to catastrophic changes that could lead to amputation, especially in people with diabetes. 6. Change of Skin Color When there is insufficient blood flow, the skin may appear pale or blue (cyanosis). The change of color in the skin indicates that the oxygen-rich blood is unable to reach those tissues. The commonly affected body parts that may have this symptom are the toes, fingers, palms, soles and lips. [youmaylike] 7. Poor Hair or Nail Growth Hair and nails need the nutrients in your body to keep them healthy. Nutrients are delivered to the hair and nails through the blood. Therefore, any blockage or hindrance of the normal circulation of blood may affect the growth of healthy hair and nails, which can lead to hair loss or poor nail growth. 8. Shiny Skin on Legs Shiny skin on the legs can indicate that the skin stretched due to excess fluids in the legs. Poor circulation can cause blood pooling in the legs, resulting in fluid leakage from the blood vessels to the surrounding tissues. In turn, the skin will stretch, giving it a shiny appearance. 9. Weak Pulses When blood flow is restricted, the usual, brisk pulses on the extremities become weaker. Doctors usually include this in their physical examination to rule out any peripheral arterial disease. 10. Erectile Dysfunction in Men The penis is made up mostly of blood vessels. Penile erection happens because the arteries of the penis are filled up with blood to elongate and stiffen the organ. When there is poor circulation, blood cannot fill up the blood vessels in the penis. Most cases of impotence are a complication primarily of the arterial system. What is Poor Circulation? Poor circulation is not a condition in itself, but having any of its symptoms may indicate more serious conditions, such as: Peripheral artery disease (PAD). Uncontrolled diabetes. Blood clots. Atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty deposits in the vessels). Heart conditions. Having poor circulation may not be apparent initially. Still, whether you experience symptoms or not, it is important to be aware of them early on to help detect the underlying cause. For example, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity are all factors that increase the likelihood of a person experiencing poor circulation symptoms. In Review The symptoms of poor circulation may vary for each person. In general, conditions that cause poor circulation are easier to treat when your doctor detects it early. If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect that it may be caused by a dysfunction in your normal blood circulation, it is essential that you see your doctor for assessment and treatment right away.

9 Signs of Pregnancy to Be Aware Of

Sinead Carey | March 22, 2021

What Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy? The early signs and symptoms of pregnancy can vary wildly from person to person. It is essential to be aware of the common symptoms and the possible and rare symptoms. So, what are the symptoms of pregnancy? We will dive into the specifics. Common Symptoms of Pregnancy 1. Missed Period Missing your period is most often the first sign of pregnancy. Your body recognizes the conception and stops making the hormone that sheds the lining of your womb. Your menstrual cycle is essentially paused, and you won’t have another period until after the baby is born. 2. Morning Sickness Contrary to what is shown on TV, morning sickness can also happen at noon and night. Feeling nauseous and vomiting is a normal part of early pregnancy. It is most common in the morning, and this is what coined the term. 3. Overtiredness or Fatigue You know the feeling when you sleep well but still feel tired? That is fatigue, and it is common in early pregnancy. Experts say this is due to the rise of hormone levels. This feeling tends to improve over time. 4. Frequent Urination Are you going to the bathroom every 10 minutes? This is another sign of pregnancy. Your body’s blood supply increases to support the new life, which means your kidneys must work harder. More waste plus more urine equals extra trips to the bathroom. 5. Aching Breasts Your breasts may start to feel sore and tender. You may have felt this before during your period, or it could be a completely new experience. This feeling is due to your fluctuating hormone levels and should fade with time. Some people describe this as an aching or tingling feeling. You might also experience a slight enlargement of your breasts. 6. Mild Cramps and Spotting Don’t panic if you see you have light spotting or cramping in the first few weeks. Spotting can indicate that the embryo has implanted in the lining of your womb. Implantation usually takes place a few days after you conceive and can cause blood spots or brown discharge. This symptom is crucial to know about, as it causes many people to believe they are not pregnant. If you are concerned or the bleeding persists, speak to your doctor without delay. 7. Headaches Persistent headaches can be a sign of so many things. That is why people don’t recognize them as a sign of pregnancy. If you are experiencing frequent headaches, there may be more to it than you think. Make sure you find a headache treatment option that safe for you. 8. Metallic Taste in Mouth Some people experience a metallic, coppery taste during early pregnancy. It can happen when eating or at seemingly random times throughout the day. Again, people do not consistently recognize the taste as a possibility of pregnancy. 9. Changes in Food Preferences This symptom varies from person to person, and some don’t experience it at all! You may crave certain foods; you may feel sick after certain foods; you can have a complete aversion to food altogether. Nutrition during pregnancy is important, and you should discuss this symptom with your doctor. [youmaylike] Rare Symptoms of Pregnancy Other symptoms that are rare but could affect you are: Heightened sense of smell. Heart palpitations. Increased saliva production (more drool). Nosebleeds. Swollen gums or tooth problems. More pimples or acne. Hot sweats. Are At-Home Pregnancy Tests Reliable? The sure-fire way to know if you are pregnant is to take an at-home test. These tests are reliable, and though false positives occur, it is rare. Always check the label, as different brands show different symbols to indicate pregnancy. The tests generally take a few minutes to develop, and digital tests can even display the word pregnant. When Should You Talk to a Doctor If You Think You’re Pregnant? If you suspect that you are pregnant, have a positive test result or are currently trying to get pregnant, the next step is to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will want to take a complete medical history, and if you are already pregnant, they may prescribe prenatal medication. The doctor can guide you on the steps throughout the pregnancy and lend an ear if you have any questions. It is vital to discuss everything with a medical professional. Your doctor is the gateway to an informed and happy pregnancy.