Understanding Rumination Disorder: A Comprehensive Guide

Rumination disorder is a condition where people repeatedly regurgitate their food, re-chew it, and then swallow it again or spit it out. This is different from just vomiting or reflux.

Rumination disorder is a type of eating disorder. It can affect both children and adults. It can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and other health problems if left untreated.

Here, we’ll look at what rumination disorder is, its symptoms, causes, and available treatments.

Key Takeaways

• Rumination disorder is characterized by the regular regurgitation of undigested food shortly after eating.
• Symptoms of rumination disorder include nausea, bad breath, and weight loss.
• The primary treatment for rumination disorder is behavioral therapy. In many cases medications like antidepressants and acid blockers can also help control symptoms.

Causes of Rumination Disorder

The exact causes of rumination disorder aren’t fully understood. But, several factors may contribute to its development:

• Experiencing mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Emotional stress
• Fibromyalgia
• Developmental delays

Rumination Disorder Symptoms

The primary symptom of rumination disorder is the regular regurgitation of undigested food. You may chew the regurgitated food again before swallowing or spitting it out. This can happen for up to 2 hours after eating.

Other symptoms can include:

• Nausea
• Bad breath
• Tooth decay (from repeated exposure to stomach acid)
• Weight loss or failure to gain weight in children
• Malnutrition (from inadequate absorption of nutrients)

You may feel a sense of pressure in your abdomen before regurgitating food. Many people with rumination disorder eat normally in social situations but regurgitate when alone.

Diagnosing Rumination Disorder

The key criteria for a diagnosis of rumination disorder is regular, effortless regurgitation of undigested food shortly after eating. There may be a number of other symptoms that help your provider diagnose rumination disorder.

Your healthcare provider may also order tests to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, such as gastrointestinal disorders or other eating disorders.

Complications of Rumination Disorder

If left untreated, rumination disorder can lead to serious health complications. Repeated regurgitation and re-chewing of food can cause malnutrition, dehydration, and weight loss.

Over time, you can develop dental problems and esophageal damage. Aspiration pneumonia, from inhaling regurgitated food into your lungs, is also possible.

Treatment Options for Rumination Disorder

Treatment for rumination disorder focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. A combination of behavioral interventions and medical therapies can help you control regurgitation.

Behavioral Interventions

Behavioral therapy helps you identify and change behaviors that trigger regurgitation. The primary treatment for rumination disorder is diaphragmatic breathing. Therapists teach you diaphragmatic breathing techniques to prevent abdominal contractions after eating.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you manage negative thoughts and emotions related to the disorder. It can be helpful when combined with diaphragmatic breathing. Your therapist may also guide you in adopting new eating habits, including eating smaller, more frequent meals and eating more slowly. 

Medical Therapies

There are no medical therapies specifically approved for rumination disorder. But antidepressants can help reduce anxiety and depression that often accompany the condition.

Baclofen, a muscle relaxant, has shown promise in reducing regurgitation by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. But, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. In severe cases, enteral feeding through a nasogastric tube or gastrostomy may be necessary to ensure proper nutrition and prevent malnutrition.

Long-Term Outlook for Rumination Disorder

With the right treatment, most people can break free from the habit of regurgitation and lead normal lives. Regular check-ins with your healthcare team can help you stay on track.

Some people may experience relapses, especially during times of stress. Having a solid support system and coping strategies can help you navigate these challenges.

Preventive Strategies for Rumination Disorder

While there’s no surefire way to prevent rumination disorder, certain strategies may help reduce your risk or manage symptoms. 

One way is to identify and avoid triggers that lead to regurgitation episodes. Common triggers include stress, anxiety, boredom, and certain foods or eating habits.

Engaging in regular physical activity can also help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. If you struggle with anxiety or depression, consider seeking support from a mental health professional.

Adopting healthy eating habits is another great preventive strategy. Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to avoid overloading your stomach. Chew your food thoroughly and eat slowly to promote better digestion. Avoid eating in stressful or distracting environments, and focus on enjoying your meals.

Follow-Up Care and Management

Ongoing support and care helps prevent relapses and ensures you maintain the progress you’ve made. Your healthcare team will work with you to create a follow-up plan.

This plan may include regular check-ins with your healthcare provider or therapist. They’ll monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment as needed.

Continuing to practice the techniques learned in behavioral therapy is also very important. If you’re taking medication, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for dosage and timing. Don’t stop or change your medication without consulting your healthcare provider first.

With consistent effort and ongoing support, it is possible to overcome rumination disorder.

Real-Life Stories and Experiences

Living with rumination disorder can be challenging, but you’re not alone. Many people have shared their stories to raise awareness and offer support.

Remember, everyone’s experience is different. What works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Connecting with others who understand can also be helpful. Consider joining a support group or online community for people with rumination disorder. Sharing your story and hearing from others can provide validation, encouragement, and valuable insights.

Resources for Support and Awareness

Many resources are available to provide support, education, and guidance on your journey to recovery.

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) provides a comprehensive directory of support groups, both in-person and online, specifically for people with rumination disorder and other eating disorders.

Professional organizations, such as the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) and the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP), provide education, training, and advocacy to improve the understanding and treatment of eating disorders, including rumination disorder.

The Role of Healthcare Providers in Managing the Disorder

Your healthcare provider is key to your recovery. They will perform a thorough physical exam and ask about your symptoms. Once diagnosed, your healthcare team will develop a personalized treatment plan. 

Your therapist will teach you skills like diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation exercises. They’ll also help you identify triggers and develop coping strategies.

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs can reduce the frequency of rumination episodes.

Frequently Asked Questions