Calm Your System First
Step 1 of 8
01

Calm Your System First

  • Find a cool, quiet space immediately — away from heat, crowds, and strong smells
  • Sit or lie down; slow your breathing — 4 counts in, 4 counts out
  • Remind yourself: this will pass — CHS episodes are temporary
  • Avoid panic — anxiety amplifies nausea and prolongs the episode
Apply Heat Immediately
Step 2 of 8
02

Apply Heat Immediately

  • Take a hot shower — this is the fastest relief for most CHS sufferers
  • Water temperature: as hot as comfortably tolerable (not scalding)
  • Focus stream on abdomen and lower back
  • No shower? Use a heating pad on the stomach — 104–113°F (40–45°C)
Hydrate Slowly
Step 3 of 8
03

Hydrate Slowly

  • Sip small amounts of water or electrolyte drinks — don’t gulp
  • Avoid citrus, caffeine, or carbonated drinks — they worsen nausea
  • If vomiting, wait 10–15 minutes after stopping before drinking
  • Goal: prevent dehydration without triggering more vomiting
Reduce Stimulation
Step 4 of 8
04

Reduce Stimulation

  • Dim or turn off bright lights — photosensitivity increases during episodes
  • Mute or eliminate loud sounds — even TV or music can worsen symptoms
  • Avoid strong scents — perfumes, cleaning products, food smells
  • Rest in a dark, quiet room if the hot shower doesn’t provide full relief
Avoid Triggers
Step 5 of 8
05

Avoid Triggers

  • Do not use cannabis — even a small amount will restart or worsen the episode
  • Avoid spicy, fatty, or strong-smelling foods during recovery
  • Stay away from alcohol — it dehydrates and irritates the gut
  • Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen) if vomiting — risk of kidney stress when dehydrated
Support Your Body
Step 6 of 8
06

Support Your Body

  • Take anti-nausea medication if prescribed (ondansetron/Zofran is common)
  • Apply capsaicin cream to abdomen — may help some CHS sufferers (consult doctor)
  • Rest as much as possible — sleep is healing
  • Eat only when ready: bland foods first — crackers, toast, rice, broth
Know When to Seek Help
Step 7 of 8
07

Know When to Seek Help

  • Go to the ER if vomiting is uncontrollable for more than 4–6 hours
  • Seek help for signs of severe dehydration: dark urine, dizziness, no urination
  • Watch for chest or kidney pain — rare but serious complications
  • Inform the ER you have CHS — request IV fluids and anti-nausea medication
After Episode
Step 8 of 8
08

After the Episode

  • Give your body 24–48 hours to fully recover — take it easy
  • Document the episode: duration, triggers, what helped — patterns matter
  • Talk to your doctor about medication adjustments if episodes are frequent
  • The only cure for CHS is cannabis cessation — every episode is a signal
Immediate Action Plan: Managing a CHS Episode
1 / 8

Quick Overview

🧘
01
Calm Down
🚿
02
Apply Heat
💧
03
Hydrate Slowly
🔌
04
Reduce Stimulation
🚫
05
Avoid Triggers
💪
06
Support Body
🚑
07
Seek Help
🔄
08
After Episode

⚠️ Long-Term Prevention

The only proven cure for CHS is complete and permanent cessation of cannabis use.

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