Salem Hospital emergency room sees increase in illness linked to chronic pot use

A marijuana-related illness has brought a surge of people into the Salem Health Hospital Emergency Room in recent years.

The bouts of uncontrollable vomiting for no apparent reason can often be misdiagnosed, especially in states where pot is not legal. But medical staff at Salem Health know exactly what Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is, as they regularly receive patients with the symptoms. 

The new and fairly rare illness is linked to heavy, long-term use of marijuana. 

Only a subset of users experience the illness.  A study by the New York University School of Medicine estimates about 2.7 million of the 8.3 million Americans that smoke pot daily, or nearly daily, suffer from the violent, cyclic vomiting and pain.

"It’s still something that’s being studied," said Dr. Adam Blumenberg from the Oregon Poison Center. He says doctors don't yet understand the syndrome's cause, "but it’s based on a pattern that’s been seen over and over again."

Individuals with no past medical history can return frequently to the ER with severe nausea, abdominal cramps and repetitive vomiting, which can last up to 48 hours.

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Because cannabis is said to relieve nausea, sometimes people increase their marijuana consumption to try to alleviate symptoms, skeptical that pot is what is making them sick, and baffled by their continuing illness.

"Sometimes it can be a little hard for the person to make a connection because it usually takes years before it develops," said Blumenberg. "And so they've been using cannabis for years and years without this repetitive throwing up."

Taking a hot shower temporarily alleviates symptoms — so those affected sometimes stay in the shower for hours at a time.

But, the only long-term cure is to stop smoking pot.

Blumenberg says once they stop, most people start feeling better within a few days.

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The upward trend in cases is apparent in many states that have decriminalized marijuana. According to a University of Colorado study, the number of cases of cyclic vomiting doubled in emergency rooms throughout the state after pot became legal. 

The Oregon Poison Center says the number of calls to their center for marijuana-related illnesses went up after pot was legalized in Oregon, but has basically plateaued since. 

The increase might be because more people are willing to admit their pot use when they call the poison center or go to the hospital, according to Nancy Bee, Nurse Manager of Salem Hospital Emergency Department.

"What’s happened recently is the conversation is easier and patients are more forthcoming," Bee said. "And we are able to help them more completely."

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Doctors around Oregon have noted increases in the syndrome, but neither the Oregon Health Authority nor Salem Health keep track of the incidents, partially because there isn't a way to know if the symptoms are tied to pot until someone quits. 

Oregon Health Authority spokesperson Jonathan Modie says they probably wouldn't investigate the syndrome until there's more substantial data to support the reported increase. 

Reach Samantha Hawkins at shawkins@gannett.com or 503-798-1623