Description

Rumination syndrome is a condition in which someone repeatedly regurgitates undigested or partially digested food in the stomach. The regurgitated food is chewed again, and swallow or spit. People with rumination syndrome do not try to regurgitate the food. This occurs without any effort.

Because the food has not been digested, as reported to the taste of regular food and not acid as the vomiting. Rumination, in general, occurs in each food, soon after eating.

It is not clear how many people have this condition. Treatment may include behavioral therapy, or medicine. Behavior therapy typically consists of teaching people to breathe from the diaphragm.

Symptoms

The symptoms of rumination syndrome include:

  • Effortless regurgitation, usually within minutes of eating.
  • Stomach pain, pain or pressure is relieved by regurgitation.
  • A feeling of fullness.
  • Nausea.
  • Losing weight without trying.

Rumination syndrome is usually not associated with arcades.

When to see a doctor

Consult a health professional if you or your child often regurgitates the food.

Causes

The exact cause of rumination syndrome is not clear. But it seems to be caused by an increase in abdominal pressure.

Rumination syndrome is often confused with bulimia nervosa, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastroparesis. Some people have rumination syndrome linked to a rectal evacuation disorder. A rectal evacuation problem involves the pelvic floor muscles that are not working correctly, which leads to constipation problems.

The condition has long been known to occur in babies and people with developmental disabilities. Now it is clear that the condition is not related to age, as it can occur in children, adolescents, and adults. Rumination syndrome is more likely to occur in people with anxiety, depression or other psychiatric disorders.

Complications

The complications of the rumination syndrome may include:

  • Unhealthy weight loss.
  • Malnutrition.
  • Worn teeth.
  • The bad breath.
  • The shame.
  • The Social isolation.

This is not, rumination syndrome can damage the tube between the mouth and the stomach, called the esophagus.

Diagnosis

To diagnose rumination syndrome, a health professional asks about your current symptoms and a medical history. This first examination, combined with the observation of the behavior, it is often sufficient to diagnose rumination syndrome.

Sometimes, the evidence, such as the high-resolution esophageal manometry and impedance measurement is used to confirm the diagnosis. This test shows if there is increased pressure in the abdomen. You can also provide a picture of the irregularity of the function for use in behavior therapy.

Other tests that may be used to rule out other possible causes of your or your child's symptoms are:

  • The upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. This test allows a closer look at the esophagus, the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine to rule out any type of obstruction. A small tissue sample called a biopsy may be removed for further study.
  • The gastric emptying. This procedure can measure how much time it takes for the food to empty the stomach. Another version of this test can also measure how much time it takes food to travel through the small intestine and the colon.

Treatment

Treatment for rumination syndrome is performed after ruling out other disorders and depends on the age and cognitive ability.

Behavior therapy

The habit of the reversal of behavior therapy is used to treat people without disabilities who engage in rumination syndrome. In the first place, to learn to recognize when the rumination happens. When rumination starts, you use your abdominal muscles to breathe in and out. This technique is called diaphragmatic breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing prevents abdominal contractions and regurgitation.

Biofeedback is part of behavioral therapy for rumination syndrome. During biofeedback, the projection image can help you or your child learn the diaphragmatic breathing skills to counteract the regurgitation.

For infants, the treatment usually focuses on working with parents or caregivers to change the baby's environment and behavior.

Medicine

Some people with rumination syndrome may benefit from treatment with a medication that helps to relax the stomach after eating.

If you frequent rumination is damage to the esophagus, inhibitors of the proton pump as esomeprazole (Nexium) or omeprazole (Prilosec) can be prescribed. These drugs may protect the lining of the esophagus to the behavior therapy reduces the frequency and severity of the regurgitation.

Preparing for your appointment

You can start by watching your child's primary health-care professional. Or you may be referred immediately to a doctor who specializes in digestive disorders, called a gastroenterologist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that needs to be done in advance, such as fasting before a specific test. Make a list of:

  • The symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment.
  • Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements that you or your child is taking, including the dosage.
  • Questions for the health care professional.

Have a friend or family member, if possible, to help you remember the information they give you.

For the rumination syndrome, some basic questions to ask include:

  • What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
  • There are other possible causes?
  • Are any tests needed?
  • It is likely that this a temporary or long-term?
  • What treatment do you recommend it?
  • Are there any alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
  • Are the dietary restrictions recommended?
  • Do you have any brochures or other printed material about this condition? What sites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

You'll likely be asked a few questions during the appointment, such as:

  • When did the symptoms begin?
  • Symptoms occur with each meal?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • Is there something that your or your child's symptoms better?
  • Does anything seem to make symptoms worse?

What you can do in the meantime

Chewing gum can help alleviate some rumination syndrome symptoms for some people.

Symptoms and treatment of Rumination syndrome