Rumination Syndrome
This is a condition in which a person regurgitates previously consumed and ingested food. They then either ingest it or spit it out after re-chewing it. Typically, rumination follows a meal within 30 minutes. In contrast to medical conditions such as reflux, it is a voluntary practice.
An individual may experience this disorder during infancy, adolescence, or adulthood. It typically occurs between 3 and 12 months of age in infants and resolves on its own. Typically, therapy is required to treat the condition in both infants and adults. Untreated rumination disorder in neonates can result in weight loss and malnutrition, which can be fatal. It is common for individuals with this disorder to restrict their food intake, particularly in public. They may consequently lose weight and become underweight.
