RUMINATION DISORDER

Course overview

RUMINATION SYNDROME IS A FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER DEFINED AS THE EFFORTLESS REGURGITATION OF RECENTLY INGESTED FOOD FROM THE STOMACH BACK INTO THE ORAL CAVITY IN THE ABSENCE OF ORGANIC DISEASE. THE REGURGITATION USUALLY OCCURS WITHIN THE FIRST 15 MINUTES AFTER THE COMPLETION OF A MEAL. A SIMULTANEOUS REMASTICATION AND EXPECTORATION OR RE-SWALLOWING OF INDIGESTED FOOD IS COMMONLY OBSERVED AND CAN CONTINUE FOR UP TO TWO HOURS AFTER EACH MEAL. RUMINATION SYNDROME CAN BE PRESENT IN BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS AND CAN SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECT THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE. THIS ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN EVALUATING AND IMPROVING CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH THIS CONDITION.