Rumination Disorder

Rumination disorder involves repeated regurgitation of food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or expelled, without underlying gastrointestinal disease. Etiology includes behavioral, psychological, and developmental factors, often in early childhood. Clinically, patients exhibit persistent regurgitation, malnutrition, weight loss, or social impairment. Diagnosis is clinical, with exclusion of gastrointestinal, metabolic, or psychiatric conditions. Management emphasizes behavioral interventions, habit reversal, and nutritional support, often with interdisciplinary care.