Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) causes repeated episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. These episodes can last for hours or days and are followed by periods when your child feels well again.
CVS can be difficult for families because episodes may seem to come and go without warning. Connecticut Children’s pediatric gastroenterology experts can help identify patterns in your child’s symptoms and find ways to manage them.
What are the signs and symptoms of CVS in children?
Children with CVS have repeated episodes of severe nausea and vomiting, followed by periods when they feel well again. Episodes may follow a similar pattern each time.
During an episode, your child may experience:
- Feeling tired
- Pale skin
- Abdominal pain
- No interest in food or decreased appetite
- Excess salivation
Please note there are many conditions that have similar symptoms. It’s important to see your child’s doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Could recurring vomiting be more than a stomach virus?
Some conditions, including CVS and abdominal migraine, can cause symptoms that seem like repeated stomach bugs. Learn how to spot some of the differences.
Read: When Is It More Than a Stomach Virus? Understanding Abdominal Migraine in Children →
What causes cyclic vomiting episodes?
The exact cause of CVS is not fully understood. However, it has been associated with migraines, and some children with CVS have a personal or family history of migraines. There are also multiple contributing factors that ultimately cause a change in the interaction between the brain and the gut. It has also been linked to other medical conditions such as dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, mitochondrial dysfunction, menses, food sensitivities and allergies, and anxiety.
How is CVS treated in children?
Treatment for CVS focuses on helping prevent or manage vomiting episodes and supporting your child between episodes. There are two main types of therapy:
- Abortive therapy: Medicines that help stop the episode once it has started. These may include anti-migraine or anti-nausea medicines
- Preventive therapy: Medicines that your child takes every day to help prevent an episode. These are usually medicines that turn down signals from the GI tract and brain called neuromodulators.
Some children may also benefit from:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
- Avoiding any known triggers
Working with a pediatric GI specialist is important for more severe cases.
Concerned About Your Child's Recurring Vomiting?
Connecticut Children's pediatric gastroenterology team can help.