Rumination Disorder

Rumination disorder is an eating disorder that causes people to spit up (regurgitate) swallowed food.

• People usually spit up a small amount of food about 15 to 30 minutes after eating

• Sometimes people re-chew the food and then either swallow it again or spit it out

Spitting up food isn't the same as throwing up (vomiting). Throwing up is forceful and uncomfortable.

People with rumination disorder may:

• Try to hide what they're doing by putting their hand over their mouth or coughing

• Avoid eating with others so people don't see them spitting up food

Often, the only symptom is spitting up food. You don't have belly pain or feel sick (nausea). Rarely, you spit up so much food that it makes you lose weight.

Rumination disorder is diagnosed based on your actions of spitting up food. Doctors may do tests to rule out physical problems with your digestive tract.

Doctors may suggest therapy to change your behavior. Medicines don't usually help.