Rumination disorder is an illness that involves repetitive, habitual bringing up of food that might be partly digested. The person may re-chew and re-swallow the food or spit it out. It often occurs effortlessly, and is not associated with pain, nausea or disgust.
Rumination disorder can affect anyone at any age, and the number of people who have rumination disorder is currently unknown. It is believed to occur more in people with developmental delay, existing eating disorders, and other mental health illnesses.
Vomiting in rumination disorder is different to the kind of sickness you might get with a stomach bug, for example – the person won’t appear to feel sick or experience involuntary retching. People with rumination disorder often do not feel in control of their disorder.
The exact causes of rumination disorder are not fully understood. It likely has multiple factors influencing its development, including biological, psychological, and social factors.
Physically, rumination happens when stomach muscles unintentionally tighten after eating, which pushes food back up from the stomach into the mouth from the sudden pressure.
Other illnesses can cause similar behaviour to that seen in rumination disorder. In situations like this, the person wouldn’t be given a separate diagnosis of rumination disorder, and the behaviour should be addressed as part of the treatment for the illness that caused it.
Rumination disorder can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, dental erosions, and electrolyte disturbances if left untreated.
It is therefore very important to contact your doctor as soon as possible if you’re worried about yourself or someone you know, and to ask to be referred to a specialist who can rule out other causes for the behaviour and discuss appropriate treatment.
While there is no one specific treatment for rumination disorder, behavioural therapy is the most common treatment. This therapy usually includes diaphragmatic breathing exercises to support the stomach muscles in reducing the pressure that leads to rumination.
Psychological interventions may be offered to support mental wellbeing. Medication is sometimes offered.
It is important that physical health is monitored to support any occurrence of malnutrition, dehydration, or otherwise.