### What is Rumination Disorder? Rumination disorder is a condition where an individual, usually an infant or young child, regurgitates and re-chews partially digested food. This behavior must occur regularly for at least one month to be considered a disorder. ### Symptoms - Regurgitating and re-chewing food - Straining and arching the back - Holding the head back - Tightening abdominal muscles - Making sucking movements with the mouth ### Causes The exact cause is unknown, but several factors may contribute to its development. ### Diagnosis Doctors will perform a medical history review and physical exam. Tests like imaging studies and blood tests may be used to rule out other conditions. Observing the child during and after feeding is often necessary. ### Treatment Treatment focuses on changing the child's behavior. There are no FDA-approved medications for rumination disorder, but medications may be used to treat associated symptoms. ### Complications Untreated rumination disorder can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and other health issues. ### Prognosis Most infants and young children outgrow the disorder and return to normal eating habits. For older children, the disorder can persist for months. ### Prevention There is no known way to prevent rumination disorder, but careful attention to a child's eating habits may help catch the disorder early.