Rumination syndrome is a disorder associated with regurgitation, or backward flow, of undigested food and drink back into the mouth shortly after eating without any effort. The child then re-chews the food and swallows it, or may spit it out. Children with rumination syndrome have regurgitation soon after a meal. The regurgitation of food is not a conscious behavior and it can affect children of all ages.
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What are the signs and symptoms of rumination syndrome?
Some common symptoms in children may include:
- Repeated regurgitation of food, usually within 10 minutes after eating
- Effortless regurgitation not preceded by retching or nausea
- A feeling of abdominal discomfort such as pressure, pain, or burning before the regurgitation
What causes rumination syndrome?
Experts are unclear about what causes rumination syndrome but it may be due to increased activation of the nerves in the abdominal wall after meals. After the initial event resolves, this abnormal activation after meals persists and the regurgitation remains.
How is rumination syndrome treated?
Treatment of rumination syndrome is generally focused on changing this abnormal increased sensation.
To accomplish this, your health care team may suggest the following approaches for treating your child’s rumination syndrome:
- Behavioral therapy
- Biofeedback
- Removing distractions during meals
- Creating a relaxed environment during meals
- Medications to help block the food from coming back up