Cyclic vomiting syndrome: a disease in disguise

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a childhood disorder characterized by bouts of vomiting that last from a few hours to several days. The current prevalence in the pediatric population is estimated at 2% (Li & Balint, 2000). The vomiting episodes occur in a regular cycle: some children have them every few days, others every few months. Currently, researchers have been unable to determine what causes CVS. Many of the patients and families, however, can identify particular events that seem to trigger the vomiting. Diagnosis can be difficult because CVS does not leave clues that can be found by any current diagnostic test. Lack of knowledge about CVS by physicians, nurses, and the lay public contribute to the helplessness families feel when coping with this disease in disguise. Nursing's primary actions in the care of children and their families affected by CVS should be one of advocacy for diagnosis and support for the family and child through treatment and long term management of this chronic illness.