Rumination syndrome

Rumination Syndrome

Rumination syndrome (pronounced: roo-mi-NAY-shun sin-drome), also known as Merycism, is a rare and chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by the voluntary or involuntary regurgitation and re-chewing of partially digested food from the stomach to the mouth, followed by either re-swallowing or spitting out.

Etymology

The term "rumination" is derived from the Latin word "ruminare", which means "to chew over again". It is used to describe the process in ruminant animals, such as cows, where they regurgitate food from their rumen (a part of the stomach) to re-chew and digest it further. The term was later adopted in medicine to describe a similar process in humans suffering from this syndrome.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of rumination syndrome is the effortless regurgitation of recently ingested food into the mouth, without nausea, retching, or abdominal pain. This is often followed by re-chewing and re-swallowing or spitting out. Other symptoms may include weight loss, malnutrition, dental problems, and bad breath.

Causes

The exact cause of rumination syndrome is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to an incorrect coordination of the abdominal muscles and diaphragm during digestion. It is often associated with conditions that affect the nervous system, such as Parkinson's disease and cerebral palsy, and mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of rumination syndrome is typically based on the patient's clinical history and symptoms. Tests such as esophageal manometry, barium swallow, and gastroscopy may be used to rule out other gastrointestinal disorders.

Treatment

Treatment for rumination syndrome primarily involves behavioral therapy techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing and habit reversal training. Medications are generally not effective in treating this condition.

Related Terms

• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders
• Regurgitation
• Merycism

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Rumination syndrome
• Wikipedia's article - Rumination syndrome

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