Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is frightening but MANAGEABLE, and most children outgrow it! If your child has repeated severe vomiting episodes that come and go with completely normal periods in between, they may have CVS. While episodes are scary, CVS doesn't cause permanent damage. With proper identification of triggers and management, your bachcha can live a normal life. You're not alone in this.
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CVS is a pattern of:
Key facts:
| Phase | What Happens | Duration | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prodrome | Warning signs - nausea, pallor, sweating | Minutes to hours | Act early! Give medicine if prescribed |
| Vomiting | Intense vomiting (6-12 times/hour) | Hours to days | Dark room, no food, prevent dehydration |
| Recovery | Vomiting stops, appetite slowly returns | Hours to days | Gradual bland foods, rest |
| Well Interval | Completely normal! | Days to months | Focus on prevention, avoid triggers |
Tip: Keep a diary to identify YOUR child's specific triggers!
Main symptoms:
Each episode:
| Sign | Severity |
|---|---|
| Decreased urination | Mild-moderate |
| Dark urine | Moderate |
| Dry mouth and lips | Moderate |
| No tears when crying | Moderate-severe |
| Sunken eyes | Severe |
| Extreme lethargy | Severe - GO TO HOSPITAL |
If you catch it early:
Daily habits:
Long-term:
| Medication | Used For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cyproheptadine | Common in younger children | Antihistamine with anti-vomiting effect |
| Amitriptyline | Older children | Also helps with migraines |
| Propranolol | Some children | Beta blocker |
| Coenzyme Q10 | Supplement | May help some children |
Note: About 75% develop migraines later in life
A: CVS pattern: severe vomiting episodes that start and end suddenly, last hours to days, then COMPLETELY normal in between. Episodes are similar each time. Must have 3+ episodes in 6 months with no other cause found. Doctor will do tests to rule out infection, obstruction, etc. If pattern matches and tests are normal - likely CVS. Don't self-diagnose - see a pediatric gastroenterologist.
A: During active vomiting: NOTHING! Don't force food or drink - it won't stay down and causes more vomiting. Once vomiting slows: small sips of water/ORS, electral. Recovery phase: bland foods - khichdi, plain rice, toast, banana. Gradually return to normal diet over 1-2 days. Force-feeding during episode makes things much worse.
A: Most children OUTGROW CVS by teenage years! While there's no "cure," preventive medicines reduce episodes significantly. Identifying and avoiding triggers helps a lot. As child grows, episodes typically become less frequent and less severe. Many children become completely episode-free (though may develop migraines later).
A: Not always, once you know the pattern. Mild episodes can be managed at home with rest, dark room, and prescribed medications. BUT go to hospital if: first ever episode, severe dehydration, blood in vomit, can't keep any fluids down, episode longer/different than usual, or child looks very sick. When in doubt, seek medical care.
A: Stress is a common TRIGGER, not the cause. Both emotional stress AND excitement can trigger episodes. Other triggers: lack of sleep (neend ki kami), skipping meals, certain foods, infections. The underlying cause is likely related to migraine pathways in brain. Managing stress helps PREVENT episodes but stress alone doesn't cause CVS.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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