Because rumination disorder is often misunderstood, it’s important to debunk common rumination disorder myths.
Rumination disorderis a rare disorder characterized by the involuntary regurgitation of undigested or partially digested food. After regurgitation, the food is rechewed and reswallowed or removed from the mouth. This condition is also known as rumination eating disorder or rumination syndrome. Since so little is known about this condition,rumination disorder mythsabound and misdiagnoses are common. Therefore, it is important to separate therumination disorder factsfrom the myths.
1. Myth: Rumination disorder is caused by gastrointestinal problems.
Fact: The cause of rumination syndrome is unknown.
Medical scientists don’t know whatcauses rumination disorder. Agastrointestinal (GI) problemoccurs when the system that processes food isn’t working right. Rumination syndrome is not a GI problem like vomiting disorder or reflux disease. However, it is oftenmisdiagnosedas a GI problem. When medicines to treat GI problems fail, doctors consider rumination disorder. In fact, other GI problems must be ruled out before rumination disorder is diagnosed. Most of those with rumination disorder have normally functioning GI tracts.
What is known is that rumination episodes start with anincrease in abdominal pressure. Individuals may also feel the need to belch or have nausea before a regurgitation episode. Rumination disorder regurgitation is involuntary. In some individuals, the initialtriggeris indigestion, physical injury, emotional stress or viral illness. But, once the trigger passes, the regurgitation behaviors continue. Unfortunately, an initiating trigger cannot be determined for most people with the disorder.
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2. Myth: Rumination disorder is harmless.
Fact: Untreated rumination disorder is dangerous.
At first, rumination syndrome may seem harmless. However, few people are aware of this disorder. As a result, many patients with rumination disorder are misdiagnosed for years before receiving treatment. If left untreated, it can causemany problems. While some are mild, like bad breath, others can be life-threatening, like choking.
Rumination syndrome can also cause:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Tooth decay
- Dehydration
- Pneumonia
- Difficulty breathing
- Death
3. Myth: Rumination disorder and bulimia are the same disorder.
Fact: Unlike bulimia nervosa, rumination disorder does not involve weight concerns.
The medical fielddoes not agreeon whether rumination syndrome is an eating disorder or not. It is categorized as afeeding and eating disorderby psychologists. On the other hand, gastroenterologists classify it as afunctional gastroduodenal disorder. Regardless, rumination disorder isnotthe same asbulimia. The disorders differ in age of onset, motivation, behavior and result. Here is a quick comparison ofrumination disorder vs bulimia:
- Rumination disorder can develop at any age, while bulimia is most often diagnosed in adolescence
- Rumination disorder is an attempt to provide relief, while bulimia is an attempt to control weight
- Rumination syndrome regurgitation is effortless and involuntary, whilebulimia purginginvolves purposeful gagging and retching
- Rumination disorder regurgitated food is undigested and of low-acidity, but bulimia regurgitation is digested and acidic
- Rumination based regurgitation occurs within 10 minutes of consuming a normal-sized meal, while bulimia involves a cycle of binging and purging
- The regurgitated food of someone with rumination disorder may be rechewed, reswallowed or spat out, while the reason for a bulimia purge is elimination
4. Myth: Rumination disorder only affects children.
Fact: Rumination disorder can develop at any age.
Rumination disorder was first described in children with developmental abnormalities. It wasn’t until recently thatrumination disorder was diagnosed in adultsand adolescents. It is now known that rumination disorder can occur at any age and is not limited to those with intellectual disabilities.
Though the primary symptom of rumination disorder relates to regurgitation, additional symptoms differ.Infantsmay make sucking movements during regurgitation. They may also tighten their stomachs, tilt back their heads or arch their backs.Children, adolescents and adultsmay experience stomach troubles, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn and nausea. Sometimes, medication and treatment will be recommended to address these symptoms.
5. Myth: Rumination disorder is difficult to treat.
Fact: Rumination disorder is relatively easy to treat.
The maintreatment for rumination disorderis diaphragmatic breathing. Patients can be taughtdiaphragmatic breathingby their doctor or may be referred to a physiotherapist, behavioral psychologist or yoga instructor. Diaphragmatic breathing can be taught in as little as one session. Relief from rumination disorder may only take a few sessions. If regurgitation is associated with anxiety or has caused physical damage, medications may be prescribed.
If you are affected by rumination disorder and are using substances to cope,contact The Recovery Village todayto learn how we can help.
