A little known disorder that is estimated to affect two percent of the child population is the cyclic vomiting syndrome.
It is characterized by intense episodes of recurring and unpredictable vomiting without apparent cause accompanied by nausea, abdominal pain and a strong decay. Crises usually appear at night or at dawn and can last from several hours to several days (up to 10), although most of them last between 3 and 7 days.
Generally, the first symptoms appear in children of between 3 and 7 years old, but it is not ruled out that they may also appear in adult life.
As for the frequency, vomiting crises can be repeated several times a month or several times a year. In the intervals between one and the other, the child is healthy.
Symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome
Vomiting episodes are preceded by forced arches and contractions of the abdominal muscles (up to 5 or 6 times per hour). They are accompanied by nausea, intense tiredness and paleness. The child can sleep all day, when he is not vomiting. Sleep is the only situation that provides rest and relief. It is known as a state of "conscious coma."
Vomiting is usually bilious and sometimes contains blood, due to irritation of the esophagus. Other symptoms may also occur such as abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, saliveo, low fever or diarrhea.
Many children resist swallowing food (anorexia) and feel an urgent need to drink liquids.
They say they are cyclic because the episodes have similarities that are often repeated in the same way in each individual, regarding the intensity, factors that trigger them and duration.
The factors that trigger them can be stressful situations (a trip, a separation, change of school, etc.), changes in life routines, food allergies, infections, colds, flu, or random factors that have nothing to do with the above.
Diagnosis of the syndrome (SVC)
As you can imagine, the disease causes great anguish and suffering both in the child and in the rest of the family.
One of the main drawbacks of cyclic vomiting syndrome is that it is a disease very difficult to diagnose There are few cases and there are many diseases that can cause repeated vomiting in children.
Since the symptoms are very similar to other digestive or metabolic disorders, the other pathologies must be ruled out first. This makes it takes years to diagnose the disease delaying so that the most appropriate treatment is adopted.
Yet the causes have not been established that cause it, although some research suggests that there could be a relationship with migraine, with which it shares certain characteristics. It is believed that the alteration could lie in the nerve pathways that connect the hypothalamus and stomach.
Disease treatment
The risk of the disease is that it can cause serious organic disorders such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
It is very important to create a quiet and dark environment so that the child sleeps peacefully. Since in each patient, the factors that trigger the crises are different, it is necessary to minimize any situation that can cause stress in the child. It is recommended to use stress management techniques.
Treatments can be used for symptoms that often accompany vomiting during crises.
During episodes, hospitalization of the child is usually necessary due to the intense dehydration caused by vomiting. A fasting regimen is followed and intravenous replacement solutions are administered.
It is essential for the family to have a trusted doctor that knows the patient well and the type of disease. It is a very distressing situation, so professional support is essential for the well-being of the child and his family.
It is also very important to have the support of other families that have gone through the same. To create a support network for these families, organizations such as the Association of
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
He Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome It is one of those known as rare diseases They affect a low percentage of the population, but for those who suffer it is a very distressing disorder. From here, what we can do to improve the quality of life of these children is to make it known. Greater dissemination will contribute to investing in research to achieve effective solutions.
