Rumination Disorder in Infants and Children
Rumination Disorder in Infants and Children
Rumination disorder is an eating disorder in which a person -- usually an infant or young child -- brings back up and re-chews partially digested food that has already been swallowed. In most cases, the re-chewed food is then swallowed again; but occasionally, the child will spit it out.
To be considered a disorder, this behavior must occur in children who had previously been eating normally, and it must occur on a regular basis -- usually daily -- for at least one month. The child may exhibit the behavior during feeding or right after eating.
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Symptoms of rumination disorder in babies and young kids include:
In addition, infants with rumination may make unusual movements that are typical of the disorder. These include straining and arching the back, holding the head back, tightening the abdominal muscles, and making sucking movements with the mouth. These movements may be done as the infant is trying to bring back up the partially digested food.
The exact cause of rumination disorder is not known; however, there are several factors that may contribute to its development:
Because most children outgrow rumination disorder, and older children and adults with this disorder tend to be secretive about it out of embarrassment, it is difficult to know exactly how many people are affected. However, it is generally considered to be uncommon.
Rumination disorder most often occurs in infants and very young children (between 3 and 12 months), and in children with cognitive impairments. It is rare in older children, adolescents, and adults. It may occur slightly more often in boys than in girls, but few studies of the disorder exist to confirm this.
To be considered a disorder, this behavior must occur in children who had previously been eating normally, and it must occur on a regular basis -- usually daily -- for at least one month. The child may exhibit the behavior during feeding or right after eating.
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What Are the Symptoms of Rumination Disorder in Babies and Kids?
Symptoms of rumination disorder in babies and young kids include:
- Repeated regurgitation of food
- Repeated re-chewing of food
- Weight loss
- Bad breath and tooth decay
- Repeated stomachaches and indigestion
- Raw and chapped lips
In addition, infants with rumination may make unusual movements that are typical of the disorder. These include straining and arching the back, holding the head back, tightening the abdominal muscles, and making sucking movements with the mouth. These movements may be done as the infant is trying to bring back up the partially digested food.
What Causes Rumination Disorder?
The exact cause of rumination disorder is not known; however, there are several factors that may contribute to its development:
- Physical illness or severe stress may trigger the behavior.
- Neglect of or an abnormal relationship between the child and the mother or other primary caregiver may cause the child to engage in self-comfort. For some children, the act of chewing is comforting.
- It may be a way for the child to gain attention.
How Common Is Rumination Disorder in Children?
Because most children outgrow rumination disorder, and older children and adults with this disorder tend to be secretive about it out of embarrassment, it is difficult to know exactly how many people are affected. However, it is generally considered to be uncommon.
Rumination disorder most often occurs in infants and very young children (between 3 and 12 months), and in children with cognitive impairments. It is rare in older children, adolescents, and adults. It may occur slightly more often in boys than in girls, but few studies of the disorder exist to confirm this.
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