Common Indicators Of Rumination Syndrome

Unexplained Weight Loss

Some individuals affected by rumination syndrome will experience unexplained weight loss. Several factors can contribute to this manifestation. When a patient regurgitates food back up to the mouth, they then make a conscious choice to re-swallow it or spit it out. An individual who does not frequent social outings or spends most of their time alone is more likely to spit out the regurgitant than they are to swallow it. When the food is not re-swallowed, the nutrients in the food never make it to the patient's small intestine where essential nutrients are absorbed. Lack of nutrients and a reduction in the number of calories consumed can result in the individual losing a significant amount of weight. In addition, patients who do spend a considerable amount of time around others may develop the habit of food avoidance in fear they may regurgitate in front of others. This avoidance results in less overall calorie intake, and they often burn off more calories than they consume. Rumination syndrome can also cause an individual to become depressed due to an inability to manage the disorder. One manifestation of depression is not eating food regularly.

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