Rumination Syndrome – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Rumination syndrome causes a person to bring up undigested or partially digested food from their stomach after eating.

This happens without any effort from the person. The food comes back up into the mouth where it may be chewed again, swallowed, or spit out.

Unlike vomit, regurgitated food typically tastes normal because it hasn’t been fully digested yet. This behavior usually occurs shortly after meals and can happen at every meal.

The exact number of people with rumination syndrome is unknown.

Treatment options include:

  • Behavioral therapy (especially diaphragmatic breathing techniques)
  • Medication

Doctors often teach patients special breathing patterns to help manage this condition. These techniques focus on using the diaphragm muscle properly during and after eating.

Signs of Rumination Syndrome

People with rumination syndrome often experience the return of food to their mouth shortly after eating. This happens without effort or strain. Some people feel pain or pressure in their stomach, which goes away after the food comes back up.

Other common signs include feeling too full, feeling sick to the stomach, and losing weight without trying. Unlike vomiting, rumination doesn’t usually involve gagging or heaving.

When To Get Medical Help

If you notice that you or your child brings food back up regularly after meals, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider. Getting proper medical advice early can help manage this condition better.

Causes

The exact reason why rumination syndrome occurs remains unclear. However, it’s believed that increased pressure in the abdomen plays a key role in this condition.

People often mistake rumination syndrome for other conditions like bulimia nervosa, GERD, or gastroparesis. In some cases, it’s connected to rectal evacuation disorders, where pelvic floor muscles don’t coordinate properly, leading to chronic constipation.

Historically, rumination syndrome was thought to primarily affect infants and those with developmental disabilities. Research now shows that age isn’t a factor – children, teenagers, and adults can all develop this condition.

Mental health may influence rumination syndrome development. Individuals with:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Other psychiatric conditions

Are more likely to experience rumination syndrome compared to the general population.

Possible Problems

Rumination syndrome can lead to several health issues if not treated. Below are some common complications:

Physical Problems:

  • Weight loss that isn’t healthy
  • Poor nutrition
  • Damage to tooth enamel
  • Unpleasant breath
  • Damage to the food pipe (esophagus)

Social and Emotional Issues:

  • Feeling embarrassed when eating with others
  • Avoiding social gatherings that involve food
  • Feeling isolated from friends and family

People with rumination syndrome may start to avoid eating in public. This can make the problem worse by adding stress and anxiety to mealtimes. Without proper treatment, the constant bringing up of food can harm the esophagus over time.


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