Rumination

Rumination, also called merycism, is an eating behavior disorder in which the person repeatedly brings already-swallowed food back into the mouth, without any digestive cause that explains it.

How it may present: In infants and young children, repeated regurgitation shortly after eating may be observed, without apparent effort or signs of marked discomfort; in some cases the emotional environment and feeding habits play a role.

When to seek care? When regurgitation is frequent or interferes with nutrition and growth, an evaluation is advisable.

Which specialist treats it? The pediatrician assesses the child's feeding habits and development, and can coordinate support from areas such as gastroenterology or mental health. Reviewing this pattern with a professional helps to understand it and provide better care.