Intractable vomiting is repeated vomiting that resists medical treatment. People can develop this symptom for a number of reasons and treatment is focused on providing supportive care to keep the patient as comfortable as possible until the cause can be resolved. There are some risks associated with intractable vomiting, including dehydration and the possibility of a hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach slips through the diaphragm and into the upper chest.
In people with intractable vomiting, repeated bouts of vomiting are experienced and may be accompanied with loss of appetite, headaches, nausea while not vomiting, and general discomfort. The vomiting does not resolve and antiemetic drugs may not suppress it. Patients can also feel weak or dizzy as a result of the strain associated with vomiting, and may develop complications like sore throats and dental damage.
Pregnancy can sometimes cause intractable vomiting, as can some hormonal imbalances. Other causes include certain infections, pyloric obstruction, brain injuries and drug reactions.
Clinical Information Related to Intractable Vomiting and Medical Marijuana