What is rumination disorder?
Rumination disorder is an eating disorder that causes people to spit up (regurgitate) swallowed food.
People usually spit up a small amount of food about 15 to 30 minutes after eating
Sometimes people re-chew the food and then either swallow it again or spit it out
Spitting up food isn't the same as throwing up (vomiting Nausea and Vomiting in Adults Nausea is an unpleasant feeling of needing to vomit. People also may feel dizziness, vague discomfort in the abdomen, and an unwillingness to eat. Vomiting is a forceful contraction of the stomach... read more ). Throwing up is forceful and uncomfortable.
People with rumination disorder may:
Try to hide what they're doing by putting their hand over their mouth or coughing
Avoid eating with others so people don't see them spitting up food
What are the symptoms of rumination disorder ?
Often, the only symptom is spitting up food. You don't have belly pain or feel sick (nausea). Rarely, you spit up so much food that it makes you lose weight.
How can doctors tell if I have rumination disorder ?
Rumination disorder is diagnosed based on your actions of spitting up food. Doctors may do tests to rule out physical problems with your digestive tract.
How do doctors treat rumination disorder?
Doctors may suggest therapy to change your behavior. Medicines don't usually help.
