Management of rumination syndrome
This topic describes the management of rumination syndrome. For general advice about managing functional gastrointestinal disorders, including patient support and psychiatric or psychological assessment, see Approach to managing functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Explain the mechanism of symptoms to the patient and reassure them that while they have developed an abnormal response to the ingestion of food, there is no serious underlying illness.
Management of functional dyspepsia and anxiety are important as they may contribute to the symptoms of rumination syndrome.
In some patients, breathing exercises (eg diaphragmatic breathing1)Ong, 2018, gut-focused hypnotherapy and biofeedback may be effective in controlling symptomsMurray, 2020. Biofeedback involves the patient feeling the abdominal wall contract with their hand and using that sensation as biofeedback to control the contractile activityHalland, 2018.