Persistent vomiting
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) involves repeated, unexplained episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. Episodes can last from a few hours to several days. They can be so severe that you need to stay in bed. You may need to go to the emergency room (ER) or hospital to get IV fluids to prevent dehydration. Following an episode, you’re free of symptoms and return to normal health.
CVS may last for months, years or decades. However, symptoms don’t occur every day. Episodes generally occur several times a year but can happen up to once or twice a month.
The symptoms, time of day, frequency, severity and length of each episode are usually the same for any one person. But these factors can vary from person to person.
What are the symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)?
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) involves sudden, repeated episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. Episodes often unfold like this:
Prodrome phase: You start feeling nauseated and sweaty in the minutes or hours leading up to the vomiting. For most people, the feeling starts in the early morning hours.
Vomiting phase: You vomit, sometimes several times an hour. Children with CVS may projectile vomit. The vomiting may last for a few hours or even a few days. The experience can feel so intense that you’re unable to talk to others and need to stay in bed alone.
Recovery phase: The vomiting and nausea gradually improve.
Well phase: You return to feeling like yourself again.
