According to a study published in the journal Neurogastroenterology & Motility, rumination is frequently misdiagnosed as other gastrointestinal conditions, resulting in a delay in proper treatment. In this study, the researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have described this syndrome, how to distinguish it from other conditions, and how to treat it.

The lead author of the study explained that rumination is a behavioral syndrome where patients regurgitate food into their mouths while eating and sitting upright. The research team categorized this syndrome as a disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). They explained that in most cases, doctors think that regurgitations develop as a habit involving an uncomfortable, mounting sensation or inner tension caused by contraction of the abdominal walls after eating. As a result, the symptoms are often misunderstood as functional dyspepsia (stomach pain or indigestion) or gastroparesis.

In this study, the researchers screened 242 patients who were referred to specialists for gastric symptoms pointing toward rumination, such as dyspepsia and gastroparesis. The findings of the study showed that 31 patients (12.8%) checked all the boxes for rumination syndrome, which was determined using a gastric symptom scoring system.

Additionally, they found that patients with rumination were more likely to also experience heartburn, particularly daytime symptoms. Also, more than 48% of the patients reported psychosocial impairment associated with the symptoms of the syndrome. 

(Source: https://theprint.in/health/study-reveals-common-serious-gut-disorder-is-often-misdiagnosed/1295548/ )