aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?><merged xmlns:dita-ot="http://dita-ot.sourceforge.net/ns/201007/dita-ot" id="GUID-a408990e-4051-487c-93de-62040a798db1-en" xml:lang="en" xtrf="file:/mnt/crx/author/crx-quickstart/profiles/ditamaps/ditamap3289456700301014547/hecs-ccms/en/HIL/conditions/p-r/rumination-syndrome/rumination-syndrome.ditamap"> <displayTitle>Rumination syndrome</displayTitle> <featureTitle/> <listTitle/> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Overview" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2023-10-20T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:BcQkTPTN2rEfuT5X8Nq8WY:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>overview rumination syndrome</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-overview">Overview</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <p product="mayoclinic.org"> <xref href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-this-site/meet-our-medical-editors" keyref="attrib-mayo-clinic-staff-link" scope="external">By Mayo Clinic Staff</xref> </p> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Rumination syndrome is a condition in which someone repeatedly regurgitates undigested or partially digested food from the stomach. The regurgitated food is then chewed again and swallowed or spit out. People with rumination syndrome don't try to regurgitate food. It happens without any effort.</p> <p>Because the food hasn't yet been digested, it reportedly tastes like regular food and isn't acidic like vomit. Rumination typically happens at every meal, soon after eating.</p> <p>It's not clear how many people have this condition. Treatment may include behavioral therapy or medicine. Behavioral therapy typically involves teaching people to breathe from the diaphragm.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Symptoms" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2023-10-20T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:EUXzMkVYRAhQ3DBbhH6WNh:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>symptoms rumination syndrome</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-symptoms">Symptoms</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Symptoms of rumination syndrome include:</p> <ul> <li>Effortless regurgitation, typically within minutes of eating.</li> <li>Belly pain or pressure relieved by regurgitation.</li> <li>A feeling of fullness.</li> <li>Nausea.</li> <li>Losing weight without trying.</li> </ul> <p>Rumination syndrome isn't usually associated with retching.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/WhenToSeekCare" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2023-10-20T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:L76wEk7qvcbPpaNYXH7yyv:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>When to see a doctor rumination syndrome</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-when-to-see-doctor">When to see a doctor</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <p>Consult a healthcare professional if you or your child often regurgitates food.</p> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Causes" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2023-10-20T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:HxpigvKZETbGK9ZftwwVi3:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>causes rumination syndrome</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-causes">Causes</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>The exact cause of rumination syndrome isn't clear.<b/>But it appears to be caused by an increase in abdominal pressure.</p> <p>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 issue involves pelvic floor muscles that don't work together correctly, which leads to ongoing constipation.</p> <p>The condition has long been known to happen in infants and people with developmental disabilities. It's now clear that the condition isn't related to age, as it can happen in children, teens and adults. Rumination syndrome is more likely to happen in people with anxiety, depression or other psychiatric disorders.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Complications" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2023-10-20T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:M4TtGD5htZkuJL7g5Vucwp:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>complications rumination syndrome</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-complications">Complications</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Complications of rumination syndrome may include:</p> <ul> <li>Unhealthy weight loss.</li> <li>Malnutrition.</li> <li>Worn teeth.</li> <li>Bad breath.</li> <li>Embarrassment.</li> <li>Social isolation.</li> </ul> <p>Untreated, rumination syndrome can damage the tube between the mouth and stomach, called the esophagus.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Diagnosis" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2023-10-20T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:7kBWDmXibpD7zTLgzGb4vB:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>diagnosis rumination syndrome</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-diagnosis">Diagnosis</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>To diagnose rumination syndrome, a healthcare professional asks about current symptoms and takes a medical history. This first examination, combined with observing behavior, is often enough to diagnose rumination syndrome.</p> <p>Sometimes, tests such as high-resolution esophageal manometry and impedance measurement are used to confirm the diagnosis. This testing shows whether there is increased pressure in the abdomen. It also can provide an image of the irregular function for use in behavioral therapy.</p> <p>Other tests that may be used to rule out other possible causes of your or your child's symptoms include:</p> <ul> <li> <b>Upper endoscopy.</b> This test allows a close look at the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine to rule out any obstruction. A small tissue sample called a biopsy may be removed for further study.</li> <li> <b>Gastric emptying.</b> This procedure can measure how long it takes food to empty from the stomach. Another version of this test also can measure how long it takes food to travel through the small intestine and colon.</li> </ul> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Treatment" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2023-10-20T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:UWqaiaM89asBRxzXsGAYGt:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>treatment rumination syndrome</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-treatment">Treatment</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Treatment for rumination syndrome takes place after ruling out other disorders and depends on age and cognitive ability.</p> </section> <section> <title>Behavior therapy</title> <p>Habit-reversal behavior therapy is used to treat people without developmental disabilities who have rumination syndrome. First, you learn to recognize when rumination happens. When rumination starts, you use the abdominal muscles to breathe in and out. This technique is called diaphragmatic breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing prevents abdominal contractions and regurgitation.</p> <p>Biofeedback is part of behavior therapy for rumination syndrome. During biofeedback, imaging can help you or your child learn diaphragmatic breathing skills to counteract regurgitation.</p> <p>For infants, treatment usually focuses on working with parents or caregivers to change the infant's environment and behavior.</p> </section> <section> <title>Medicine</title> <p>Some people with rumination syndrome may benefit from treatment with medicine that helps relax the stomach after eating.</p> <p>If frequent rumination is damaging the esophagus, proton pump inhibitors such as esomeprazole (Nexium) or omeprazole (Prilosec) may be prescribed. These medicines can protect the lining of the esophagus until behavior therapy reduces the frequency and severity of regurgitation.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/AppointmentPreparation" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2023-10-20T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:2ZhjcPJLCYEvgiQvS7ZZRg:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>preparing for your appointment rumination syndrome</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-prep-for-appt">Preparing for your appointment</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>You may start by seeing your or your child's primary healthcare professional. Or you may be referred immediately to a doctor who specializes in digestive disorders, called a gastroenterologist.</p> <p>Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.</p> </section> <section> <title>What you can do</title> <p>When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything that needs to be done in advance, such as fasting before a specific test. Make a list of:</p> <ul> <li> <b>Symptoms,</b> including any that seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment.</li> <li> <b>Key personal information,</b> including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.</li> <li> <b>All medications, vitamins or other supplements</b> you or your child takes, including the doses.</li> <li> <b>Questions to ask</b> the healthcare professional.</li> </ul> <p>Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.</p> <p>For rumination syndrome, some basic questions to ask include:</p> <ul> <li>What's the most likely cause of these symptoms?</li> <li>Are there other possible causes?</li> <li>Are any tests needed?</li> <li>Is this likely temporary or long lasting?</li> <li>What treatment do you recommend?</li> <li>Are there any alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?</li> <li>Are any dietary restrictions recommended?</li> <li>Do you have any brochures or other printed material about this condition? What websites do you recommend?</li> </ul> </section> <section> <title>What to expect from your doctor</title> <p>You'll likely be asked a few questions during the appointment, such as:</p> <ul> <li>When did the symptoms begin?</li> <li>Do symptoms occur with every meal?</li> <li>How severe are the symptoms?</li> <li>Does anything make your or your child's symptoms better?</li> <li>Does anything seem to worsen the symptoms?</li> </ul> </section> <section> <title>What you can do in the meantime</title> <p>Chewing gum may help ease some rumination syndrome symptoms for some people.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsReference contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/References" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2023-10-20T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:Tf9YPUjUDzhZkx5aXyHGm8:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>references rumination syndrome</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-references">References</titleSimple> </titlealts> <prolog> <footnotes> <fn>Ferri FF. Rumination syndrome. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2024. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 1, 2023.</fn> <fn>Bora G, et al., eds. Vomiting and regurgitation. In: Nelson Pediatric Symptom-Based Diagnosis: Common Diseases and their Mimics. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 1, 2023.</fn> <fn>Feldman M, et al., eds. Nausea and vomiting. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 11th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 1, 2023.</fn> <fn>Halland M, et al. Rumination syndrome. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Aug. 1, 2023.</fn> </footnotes> </prolog> </hecsReference> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Research" policy="" reviewedOn="" workId="did:mcid:21sM4cTm4mTDB6ycWFz8hF:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>research rumination syndrome</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-research">Research</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <p>Mayo Clinic researchers are working to improve diagnosis and treatment for people with rumination syndrome. Specific efforts involve learning more about the cause of rumination syndrome and educating other physicians about this little-known condition.</p> <section> <title> <keyword keyref="sectionTitle-publications">Publications</keyword> </title> <p>See a <xref href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Feeding%20and%20Eating%20Disorders%20of%20Childhood%22%5BMajr%5D%20OR%20%22rumination%20syndrome%22%5BAll%20Fields%5D%20AND%20(55901%5BAD%5D%20OR%2055905%5BAD%5D%20OR%2032224%5BAD%5D%20OR%2085054%5BAD%5D%20OR%2085259%5BAD%5D%20OR%20Mayo%20Clinic%5BAD%5D%20OR%20Mayo%20Foundation%5BAD%5D%20OR%20Mayo%20College%5BAD%5D%20OR%20Mayo%20Medical%5BAD%5D%20OR%20Mayo%20School%5BAD%5D)&amp;cmd=DetailsSearch" keyref="pubMed-rumination-syndrome" scope="external">list of publications</xref> about rumination syndrome by Mayo Clinic doctors on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.</p> </section> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/CareMayoClinic" policy="" reviewedOn="" workId="did:mcid:3KLycMWU9cMhuzdqWM9eNN:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>care at mayo rumination syndrome</title> <titlealts> <titleCustom>Rumination syndrome care at Mayo Clinic</titleCustom> </titlealts> <conbody> <ul> <li> <b>Your Mayo Clinic care team.</b> Mayo Clinic gastroenterologists work closely with psychiatrists and psychologists to treat people with rumination syndrome. Pediatricians are involved in the care of children with this condition.</li> <li> <b>Diagnostic expertise.</b> Mayo Clinic doctors have significant experience distinguishing rumination syndrome from other digestive conditions. Experts from Mayo Clinic have been involved in studies of rumination syndrome, including the identification of other conditions that can happen with rumination syndrome.</li> <li> <b>Effective treatment.</b> The rumination syndrome treatment team at Mayo Clinic includes behavioral psychologists who teach breathing techniques that can prevent rumination. This treatment is generally effective for most people.</li> </ul> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/ExpertiseRanking" policy="" reviewedOn="" workId="did:mcid:7Jf18G31Wq9pCkpefPnDZz:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>expertise rankings rumination syndrome</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-expertise-and-rankings">Expertise and rankings</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <section> <title>Experience</title> <p>Rumination syndrome is an uncommon condition, but specialists at Mayo Clinic are experienced in diagnosing and treating it. Mayo Clinic doctors have also been involved in research on rumination syndrome.</p> </section> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <metadata> <hasPoCID>CON-20377320</hasPoCID> <primaryIdentifier>did:mcid:Drc2UZcX2tq7xMZDXi66b3:1.17</primaryIdentifier> <workId>did:mcid:6hgDY2ejZR6qwegnYgR3JL:2026-10-09</workId> <language>en</language> <publicationStatus>Done</publicationStatus> <issuedOn>2007-12-18T06:00:00.000-06:00</issuedOn> <reissuedOn>2025-06-28T19:00:00.000-05:00</reissuedOn> <mapPath>/content/dam/hecs-ccms/en/HIL/conditions/p-r/rumination-syndrome/rumination-syndrome.ditamap</mapPath> <manifestationID>did:mcid:NsYFS6SvQykUn5qiiwqbjX:2026-10-09-0653</manifestationID> <seoDescription>Learn about this condition that results in regurgitating and reswallowing food. Behavioral therapy and medicine are treatments.</seoDescription> <seoUrlKeyword>rumination-syndrome</seoUrlKeyword> <policy>did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB</policy> <reviewedOn>2025-06-28T19:00:00.000-05:00</reviewedOn> <contentType>http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/GeneralAudienceConditionGuide</contentType> <seoTitle/> <hideAppointmentButton>false</hideAppointmentButton> <hideThirdPartyAds>false</hideThirdPartyAds> <index>true</index> </metadata> </merged>