Rumination is a disorder where children bring partially digested food back into their mouth. They may rechew it or spit it out. It is most common in infants or toddlers. It is rare but serious and can lead to growth retardation, weight loss or even death.
You said you were concerned that your child regurgitates and rechews food. S/he may bring
partially digested food up into his/her mouth. Then h/she may rechew it and swallow it or spits it out.
You said your child has been doing this for at least 1 month. Your child may have had this problem on
and off for several months. This problem is not due to a general medical condition. Your child may be
losing weight or not be growing as expected. Your child may suffer from malnutrition since s/he is not
ingesting food properly.
This problem usually starts around 3-12 months of age. If your child is an infant s/he may:
Arch his/her back
Throw his/her head back
Make sucking sounds with his/her mouth
Seem to like rechewing food.
Your child may have a problem called Rumination. This problem is rare but serious. Your child's
doctor will tell you the best way to deal with Rumination.
American Academy of Pediatrics (1996). Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual for Primary Care. Elk Grove Village, Illinois: Author.
American Psychiatric Association (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders: Fourth Edition (1994).
