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Rumination Syndrome

What is rumination syndrome?

Rumination syndrome is a rare behavioral problem. It affects children and some adults. Rumination syndrome causes an automatic regurgitation of recently eaten food. Someone with this problem will often eat meals normally. But after about 1 or 2 hours, undigested food comes back up into the mouth from the food pipe (esophagus). The person may rechew and reswallow the food. Or they may spit it out. Often this happens at every meal, day after day. Rumination is a reflex, not a conscious action.

Rumination syndrome is a rare problem. But it may be underdiagnosed because it is mistaken for another problem.

Rumination is most often diagnosed in children. But it is also diagnosed in adults.

What causes rumination syndrome?


What are the symptoms of rumination syndrome?

Rumination is different from throwing up. With rumination, the food is undigested. It often still tastes the same as when it was first eaten.

The symptoms of rumination syndrome may look like other health conditions or problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is rumination syndrome diagnosed?

Throwing up is much more common. So rumination syndrome is often misdiagnosed as a vomiting disorder such as delayed digestion (gastroparesis) or heartburn (GERD or gastroesophageal reflex disease).


The symptoms of rumination syndrome don't get better with normal treatment of reflux.

How is rumination syndrome treated?


There aren’t any medicines available that effectively treat rumination syndrome. The best way to stop it is to relearn how to eat and digest food correctly. This requires diaphragmatic breathing training.

A behavioral psychologist often teaches this, and it's easy to learn. The method has to be used at the start of every meal to avoid regurgitation. Over time, most people can master the breathing method. This will stop the bad symptoms of rumination syndrome.

How can I help prevent rumination syndrome?


Living with rumination syndrome



When should I call my healthcare provider?

Tell your healthcare provider if:

  • Your symptoms get worse

  • You have new symptoms,

Key points about rumination syndrome


  • The food will be described as tasting normally. This means it is still undigested. It is not acidic-tasting, like vomit.

  • Rumination is a reflex, not a conscious action.




Next steps



  • Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.




  • Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.





Online Medical Reviewer: Heather Trevino
Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Paul Ballas MD
Date Last Reviewed: 3/1/2019
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