Supporting Someone with Rumination-Regurgitation Disorder
Compassion • Support • Recovery
Rumination disorder — also often called rumination syndrome — involves recently eaten food repeatedly returning from the stomach to the mouth. It is generally not deliberate, and it is not the same as ordinary vomiting, reflux or intentional purging.
For the person experiencing it, the physical symptoms can be difficult enough. Shame, misunderstanding and fear of eating around other people can make life even harder.
This Support Hub guide is for parents, partners, families, friends and carers who want to understand what is happening and offer support without blame or embarrassment.
Inside:
• what rumination–regurgitation disorder is
• how it differs from vomiting, reflux and deliberate purging
• signs supporters may notice
• language that reduces shame
• assessment and differential diagnosis
• clinician-taught diaphragmatic breathing
• practical support for children, teenagers and adults
• food, anxiety and sensory considerations
• a symptom-and-support tracker
• medical warning signs
• advocacy questions for appointments
• further support and information
The central message is simple: the person is not choosing this symptom. Calm understanding, appropriate medical assessment and correctly taught behavioural treatment can make a real difference.
Space to Breathe Therapy • Support Hub
