Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Endoscopic Injection Sclerotherapy Assisted by Cyanoacrylate and Clips for Gastroesophageal Varices
04:09

Endoscopic Injection Sclerotherapy Assisted by Cyanoacrylate and Clips for Gastroesophageal Varices

Published on: June 13, 2025

Cyclic vomiting syndrome: a disease in disguise

Jan Bullard1, Nancy E Page

  • 1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital, Syracuse, NY, USA.

Pediatric Nursing
|March 30, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a childhood disorder causing cyclical vomiting. Early diagnosis and nursing support are crucial for managing this chronic condition in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Childhood Illnesses

Background:

  • Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) affects 2% of children, characterized by recurrent, intense vomiting episodes.
  • The exact cause of CVS remains unknown, though triggers are often identifiable by families.
  • Diagnosis is challenging due to the lack of specific diagnostic tests and limited awareness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the challenges in diagnosing and managing CVS in children.
  • To emphasize the critical role of nursing in advocating for patients and supporting families.
  • To underscore the need for increased awareness of CVS among healthcare professionals and the public.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on CVS prevalence, diagnosis, and management.
  • Analysis of the impact of CVS on affected children and families.
  • Discussion of nursing interventions and advocacy strategies.

Main Results:

  • CVS presents with cyclical vomiting episodes lasting hours to days.
  • Diagnosis is often delayed due to non-specific symptoms and lack of diagnostic markers.
  • Families frequently identify triggers for vomiting episodes.
  • Limited knowledge about CVS contributes to diagnostic delays and patient/family distress.

Conclusions:

  • Nursing plays a vital role in advocating for timely CVS diagnosis.
  • Comprehensive support for children and families is essential for managing this chronic illness.
  • Increased education on CVS is needed for healthcare providers and the public to improve care and reduce the feeling of helplessness.

Related Concept Videos

Pathophysiology of Vomiting01:22

Pathophysiology of Vomiting

Vomiting is a complex physiological response to expel harmful or irritating substances from the body. It's a defensive mechanism triggered by stimuli like poisons, microbial toxins, cytotoxic drugs, and mechanical abdominal distension. The process is centrally coordinated by the vomiting (or emetic) center located in the medulla of the brainstem. This area, rich in muscarinic M1, histamine H1, neurokinin 1 (NK1), and serotonin 5-HT3 receptors, coordinates the act of vomiting through interaction...
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
Bulimia Nervosa01:30

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Other Disorders of Digestive System01:30

Other Disorders of Digestive System

The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to various disorders. If the lower esophageal sphincter is damaged, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as heartburn) and may cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing. In the stomach, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, chronic alcohol consumption, bacterial infections such as Helicobacter...
Equilibrium and Balance01:15

Equilibrium and Balance

The inner ear assumes dual functionalities of auditory perception and equilibrium maintenance. The vestibule is the organ responsible for balance. This organ contains mechanoreceptors, specifically hair cells, endowed with stereocilia, which aid in deciphering information regarding the position and motion of our heads. Two intrinsic components, the utricle and saccule, help perceive head position, while the semicircular canals track head movement. Neurological messages initiated in the...