Onset of rumination disorder usually occurs after three months of age. It is associated with medical conditions such as hiatal hernia . The cause is often unknown. Laboratory tests such as serum electrolytes , endocrinological function and a hematological workup can measures the severity of rumination on the body.
Rumination disorder is treated with behavioral techniques such as mild aversive training.
Other techniques include improvement in the child's psychosocial environment and psychotherapy for the parents. In some cases rumination disorder will have a spontaneous remission, and the child returns to eating normally without treatment. In other cases, treatment is necessary. Complications of rumination include malnutrition , lowered resistance to disease, and failure to thrive . Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your baby appears to be repeatedly spitting up, vomiting , or rechewing food.