Persisting and repetitive vomiting in adolescence: a consequence of cannabinoid use

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Persisting and uncontrollable vomiting in adolescence can indicate several disorders, from self-limiting diseases to life-threatening conditions. Case Report Herein, we present the case of an adolescent boy with two previous hospitalizations for persistent vomiting with abdominal pain who showed no improvement after ondansetron and omeprazole treatment. Both episodes were characterized by emesis, abdominal discomfort/pain with normal physical examination, and normal radiography and blood analysis. The patient reported relief following a hot water bath. During the second episode, a urinary drug test was performed, which was positive for cannabinoids. Subsequently, he confessed to frequent cannabinoid use during the past two years. Discussion Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is characterized by cycles of severe persistent nausea and recurrent vomiting associated with abdominal pain in the setting of chronic cannabis use. Physicians should be aware of and fully consider this differential diagnosis due to the rise in cannabis use worldwide.