Locations:
Search IconSearch

Rumination: How This Rare Eating Disorder Can Affect Kids

It may be mistaken for digestive problems

Child with rumination.

It’s normal for a baby to spit up as their digestive system develops and they get the hang of feeding.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

But if a child continues to regurgitate beyond their first year, there might be something else going on.

It’s most likely something bugging their digestion, like gastroesophageal reflux (yes, kids can have it too), gastroparesis or a swallowing problem. If there’s no underlying medical condition at play, though, a pediatrician might start to consider rumination syndrome.

Rumination is a rare eating disorder characterized by repeated regurgitation of undigested or partially digested food after eating, without any nausea or retching.

Experts aren’t sure exactly why this happens to some children and people with developmental disabilities, but they do know that it’s closely tied to anxiety, says child and adolescent psychiatrist Tatiana Falcone, MD.

“Anxiety can come in so many different ways — it can come as a headache, a stomach ache or as rumination disorder,” she explains.

Here’s what we do know about this condition.

Getting the right diagnosis

Unlike with other eating disorders, a child who ruminates eats food normally. Only, after they eat — usually within 30 minutes to an hour — some of the food they ate flows backward from their esophagus and stomach up into their mouth.

Parents may notice some children rechewing and swallowing the food. Others may spit it out.

They aren’t doing this consciously; rumination is a learned reflex response, Dr. Falcone says. And because it’s a behavioral issue, it’s treated much differently than a digestive problem, so it requires careful diagnosis.

Advertisement

“First you have to think about gastrointestinal issues,” Dr. Falcone says. “Before we make a diagnosis, we want to make sure we rule out any physical conditions that could be causing this.”

Treatment starts with behavioral therapy

Many children with rumination disorder benefit from breathing training that teaches their diaphragm to relax when they’re eating, Dr. Falcone says.

They may also benefit from other steps to reduce anxiety in their lives overall, like adhering to regular sleeping and eating schedules, and having relaxed mealtimes that aren’t rushed.

“Anxiety can be exacerbated by stress in the home, neglect and troubled parent-child relationship problems,” Dr. Falcone says.

The good news, she notes, is that most kids are eventually able to overcome their rumination symptoms. However, it’s important for parents to know that they may be at risk for developing other anxiety disorders later in life.

“Sometimes, the rumination disorder gets better and they go years and years with no symptoms, and later we might see sleeping problems or headaches or stomach aches,” Dr. Falcone explains. “So it’s important to teach some of these behavioral and relaxation techniques to help kids control the anxiety, because those might also be useful later.”

If your child is regurgitating food consistently, start by seeing a primary care physician. They can start the process of figuring out what’s going on and refer you to a digestive specialist or psychologist if necessary.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Dad driving tractor, removing obstacles with large plow for small boy who walks behind with backpack
March 13, 2025/Parenting
How Snowplow Parenting Gets in the Way of a Child’s Future Self

By disrupting a child’s ability to think and act for themselves, snowplow parents run the risk of delaying their child’s ability to learn

Open medicine bottle on its side, with spilled pills on the table, and glass of alcohol nearby
March 12, 2025/Mental Health
What You Need To Know About Lorazepam and the Dangers of Alcohol

This fast-acting anxiety medication should never be taken with alcohol, despite what you may see on The White Lotus

Person pushing closed a suitcase filled with vacation items, like flip flops, camera, sunglasses
March 12, 2025/Mental Health
8 Ways To Make the Most of Your Vacation

Setting realistic expectations and scheduling downtime can help reduce stress and make your time away more enjoyable

Person relaxing in a seated yoga pose at home
March 12, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Stress Can Make Hidradenitis Suppurativa Worse: Here’s How To Manage It

Working with a therapist, staying active and practicing mindfulness are just a few ways to help manage stress

Teen complains to friend about narcissitic parent
March 10, 2025/Mental Health
9 Tips for Dealing With a Parent’s Narcissistic Behavior

Create a support system, a paper trail, emotional boundaries and a strong sense of self

Person enjoying the day outside in a park, with other people doing fun activities
March 6, 2025/Mental Health
Happy Hormones: What They Are and How To Boost Them

You can release serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine and endorphins by cooking a meal, walking outside, petting your dog and more

Person standing on mountain top pointing the way
February 27, 2025/Mental Health
What It Means To Have a ‘Type A’ Personality

Type A characteristics can fuel success, but they can also be a source of stress

Person working with laptop and listening to repetitive music through headphones
February 26, 2025/Brain & Nervous System
Ditch the Distraction: 7 Ways to Focus When You’re Living With ADHD

Background stimulation and intentional fidgeting may actually help you stay on task

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad