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        Digestive Diseases
        Abdominal Adhesions
                Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults
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                Anatomic Problems of the Lower GI Tract
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                Your Digestive System & How it Works
                Zollinger-Ellison SyndromeCyclic Vomiting Syndrome

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    Definitions & Facts
    Cyclic vomiting syndrome, or CVS, is a disorder that causes sudden, repeated attacks—called episodes—of severe nausea and vomiting. Episodes can last from a few hours to several days. Episodes alternate with longer periods of no symptoms.
young woman feeling nauseated

    Symptoms & Causes
    The main symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome are sudden, repeated attacks—called episodes—of severe nausea and vomiting. Episodes can last from a few hours to several days. Experts aren’t sure what causes cyclic vomiting syndrome.


Diagnosis
    Doctors diagnose cyclic vomiting syndrome based on family and medical history, a physical exam, medical tests, and the pattern or cycle of symptoms. Medical tests can rule out other diseases and conditions that cause cyclic vomiting symptoms.

    Treatment
    How doctors treat cyclic vomiting syndrome depends on the phase. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat episodes, or to help prevent episodes or reduce their frequency. Your doctor may recommend ways to avoid or manage conditions and events that trigger episodes.


Eating, Diet, & Nutrition
    You can help prevent cyclic vomiting episodes by avoiding foods that may trigger them. Your diet will not help relieve episodes but will help you recover and keep you healthy. You should eat well-balanced and nutritious meals between episodes.

    Clinical Trials
    The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.

    Related Conditions & Diseases
    Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults
    Gastroparesis
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome


Related Diagnostic Tests
    Upper GI Endoscopy
    Upper GI Series


Your Digestive System & How it Works
    The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract-also called the digestive tract-and the liver, pancreas, and the gallbladder. The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus.


Related Research
    See more about digestive diseases research at the NIDDK.
        Last Reviewed December 2017

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                Definitions & Facts

                This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
    The NIDDK would like to thank:Thangam Venkatesan, M.D., Medical College of Wisconsin Contact Us
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