Treatment of Rumination Disorder
Treatment for rumination disorder is the same for children and adults and usually consists of behavioral therapy. (7)
Other healthcare professionals, such as massage therapists, recreational therapists, psychologists, nutritionists, and nurse practitioners, may also be involved in the care of people with rumination disorder. This ensures the patient is receiving adequate nutrition, as well as managing other symptoms, such as anxiety and stomach discomfort.
Therapies for Rumination Disorder
Behavioral therapy focuses on changing the learned behaviors responsible for regurgitation. A behavioral psychologist or gastroenterologist will work with a patient to unlearn habits–whether unconscious or conscious–that lead to regurgitation. Approaches used will be tailored to a patient’s individual needs, abilities, and age. (4)
The primary treatment approach for rumination disorder is diaphragmatic breathing. Patients are taught to breathe deeply from their diaphragm rather than their chest. This helps relax the diaphragm and change pressure in the esophagus, which prevents regurgitation after eating.
For children with rumination disorder, several additional approaches may be used to stop regurgitation, including: (6)
- Changing a child’s position during and after eating
- Distracting a child when they start ruminating
- Increasing interaction between the caregiver and child during meal times
- Using techniques to make mealtime a more relaxing and pleasurable experience
- Aversive conditioning, which involves placing something unpleasant tasting in the mouth
Medications for Rumination Disorder
There are currently no FDA-approved medications to treat rumination disorder. However, Baclofen is a medication that has shown promise. (8) It’s believed to reduce regurgitation following a meal by increasing the resting pressure of the esophagus, potentially reducing the relaxation that leads to effortless regurgitation.
Currently, Baclofen is only prescribed in cases where patients don’t improve with behavioral interventions, due to its side effects, which include dizziness, weakness, constipation, and headaches.