Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

Yes No

Leave this Site?

The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site.

Continue Cancel
honeypot link
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Home /
Quick Facts: Mental Health Disorders /
Eating Disorders /
... /
Rumination Disorder /
IN THIS TOPIC
What is rumination disorder?
What are the symptoms of rumination disorder ?
How can doctors tell if I have rumination disorder ?
How do doctors treat rumination disorder?
OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER
Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Pica
Rumination Disorder
ADDITIONAL CONTENT
Test your knowledge
Ebola Virus and Marburg Virus Infections
Ebola and Marburg virus infections are extremely serious and frequently fatal. Like other viruses in the class known as filoviruses, Ebola and Marburg infections cause extensive bleeding. Which of the following statements about Ebola and Marburg infections is NOT correct?
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
More Content
Quick Facts

Rumination Disorder

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Apr 2020| Content last modified Apr 2020
Click here for the Professional Version
Get the full details

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. Material from your stomach shoots out of your mouth.

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.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
© 2021 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
Pica
Overview of Anxiety Disorders
OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER
Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Pica
Rumination Disorder
Others also read
Rumination Disorder Rumination Disorder
Regurgitation and Rumination Regurgitation and Rumination
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Test your knowledge
Ebola Virus and Marburg Virus Infections
Ebola and Marburg virus infections are extremely serious and frequently fatal. Like other viruses in the class known as filoviruses, Ebola and Marburg infections cause extensive bleeding. Which of the following statements about Ebola and Marburg infections is NOT correct?
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Also of Interest

Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.

This icon serves as a link to download the eSSENTIAL Accessibility assistive technology app for individuals with physical disabilities. It is featured as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. M
View Privacy Shield Verification Status
View APEC CBPR Privacy Certification Status

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

© 2021 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
TOP