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Endocrinology155 papers

Adult rumination syndrome of ingested food

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Rumination syndrome in adults involves the effortless regurgitation of recently ingested food from the stomach back into the mouth, distinct from gastroesophageal reflux disease 1. It is primarily managed behaviorally rather than pharmacologically.

Diagnosis

  • Key Diagnostic Criteria: Effortless regurgitation of undigested food, absence of nausea or retching, and no underlying structural gastrointestinal disorder 1.
  • Recommended Tests: No specific diagnostic tests; clinical history and observation are crucial 1.
  • Grading: Not typically graded; diagnosis based on clinical criteria 1.
  • Management

  • First-Line Treatments: Behavioral interventions such as biofeedback, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and habit reversal training 1.
  • Adjunctive Treatments: Nutritional support and counseling to prevent significant weight loss 1.
  • Drug Management: No specific drug classes or doses recommended; management is non-pharmacological 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Information primarily focused on childhood; adult specifics limited 1.
  • Comorbidities: No specific guidance provided for comorbidities in the abstracts 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Diagnose rumination syndrome based on clinical history and observation of effortless regurgitation, distinguishing it from gastroesophageal reflux disease (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
  • Initiate behavioral interventions such as CBT and biofeedback as first-line treatments (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
  • Provide nutritional support to mitigate weight loss in severe cases (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
  • References

    1 Winter R, Velleman S, Wiskin AE. Fifteen-minute consultation: Childhood rumination syndrome. Archives of disease in childhood. Education and practice edition 2022. link 2 Wilkinson SB, Rowe G, Lambert N. The risks of eating and drinking. EMBO reports 2004. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Fifteen-minute consultation: Childhood rumination syndrome.Winter R, Velleman S, Wiskin AE Archives of disease in childhood. Education and practice edition (2022)
    2. [2]
      The risks of eating and drinking.Wilkinson SB, Rowe G, Lambert N EMBO reports (2004)

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