Adolescent rumination syndrome

Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2014 Aug;16(8):398. doi: 10.1007/s11894-014-0398-9.

Abstract

Rumination syndrome is the non-purposeful regurgitation of recently ingested food from the stomach to the mouth, where it is either expelled or reswallowed. Adolescent rumination syndrome (ARS) is a rare condition of which many physicians are unaware. Patients often are misdiagnosed or undergo costly testing, and as a result, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed. While ARS is not life-threatening, it does have medical and emotional effects on the patient and the patient's family. Diagnosis of ARS is based upon the Rome III diagnostic criteria. Antroduodenal manometry, while not required for a diagnosis, can be helpful to confirm the diagnosis. The pathogenesis of this disorder is complex and not well understood. However, because of its behavioral component, treatment of ARS requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes both medical management of symptoms and implementation of strategies that address behavioral, psychological, and general quality-of-life components of the disorder.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Duodenum / physiopathology
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders of Childhood / diagnosis*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders of Childhood / etiology
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders of Childhood / therapy
  • Humans
  • Manometry / methods
  • Pyloric Antrum / physiopathology
  • Syndrome
  • Vomiting / physiopathology
  • Vomiting / psychology*