Rumination syndrome

Overview

Rumination syndrome is a condition in which people repeatedly and unintentionally spit up (regurgitate) undigested food from the stomach, rechew it, and then either reswallow the food or spit it out. Rumination is a reflex, not a conscious decision. Rumination syndrome may go undiagnosed because it is often confused with other conditions.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for rumination syndrome

• Diagnostic expertise. Mayo Clinic doctors have experience distinguishing this rare syndrome from other digestive conditions.
• Effective treatment. At Mayo Clinic, your treatment team includes behavioral psychologists who teach breathing techniques that can prevent rumination. This treatment is generally effective for most people.
• New ideas. Mayo Clinic doctors are continuing research to better understand the cause of rumination syndrome, and how to treat it. You have access to the expertise of Mayo's clinician-researchers.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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