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Cyclic nausea and vomiting in childhood

David Forbes1, Susan Fairbrother

  • 1School of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Western Australia. dforbes@meddent.uwa.edu.au

Australian Family Physician
|February 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder in children, characterized by severe nausea and vomiting episodes. Early recognition and tailored management are crucial for improving outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

  • Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is an under-recognized functional gastrointestinal disorder in childhood.
  • It is relatively common and can be disabling, despite frequent misdiagnosis by healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical features of CVS in children.
  • To outline the differential diagnosis, treatment strategies, and expected outcomes for pediatric CVS.

Main Methods:

  • This article is a descriptive review of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome.
  • Information is synthesized from existing literature on clinical features, diagnosis, and management.

Main Results:

  • CVS affects approximately 2% of children, presenting as recurrent, severe vomiting episodes with symptom-free intervals.
  • Associated conditions include migraine, genetic factors, autonomic dysregulation, and anxiety. Triggers can be stress, infection, or food.

Conclusions:

  • Diagnosis of CVS requires excluding other causes of vomiting.
  • Management involves preventing attacks, terminating vomiting, sedation, and preventing complications.
  • Children may improve, develop migraines, or experience ongoing symptoms into adulthood.
Abstract

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