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CVS Illness in Children

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is an illness that causes bouts of severe nausea and vomiting followed by periods with no symptoms. The cycles can last hours or days and can be quite disruptive to a child's life. CVS commonly strikes children between the ages of 3 and 7.

  1. Symptoms

    • Severe vomiting, gagging and nausea are symptoms of CVS in children. During severe bouts, a child may vomit as often as 12 times an hour. In children, these periods typically last for 1 or 2 days, but may reoccur monthly. Episodes often begin during the night or early in the morning and may also include headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness and fever.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosing CVS in children usually involves ruling out any other diseases or disorders that might cause similar symptoms. The doctor will look at past medical history and the timing of the attacks to make his diagnosis. He will check for conditions such as intestinal blockage, metabolic disorders and inner ear problems to ensure they aren't causing the nausea and vomiting.

    Treatment

    • Unfortunately, there is no cure for CVS. Some drugs that are used to treat migraines, such as propranolol, cyproheptadine and amitriptyline have been found to be effective in reducing the severity of CVS attacks in adults, but few have been studied in children. Acid reducing drugs such as ranitidine and omeprazole may help calm the stomach during an attack. Other treatment is palliative and includes anti-nausea drugs and sedatives for extreme attacks, as well as intravenous fluids to combat dehydration.

    Complications

    • The severe vomiting that is typical of CVS can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, esophageal damage and tooth decay. Children with CVS should be monitored for any of these complications, and may require hospitalization if they become severe.

    Prognosis

    • Children who suffer from CVS will generally outgrow the condition by the time they are teenagers. However, adults who suffered from CVS as children may have an increased risk for experiencing migraines. Once a child has learned to identify her symptoms, she may be better able to control them through preventative medication or avoidance of possible triggers such as certain foods, motion sickness or eating just before going to bed.

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