Rumination syndrome
![A line graph. The line has pronounced upwards spikes followed by less pronounced downward spikes. These spikes are separated by longer intermittent periods where the line is jagged, but roughly and statistically straight.](/Images/godic/202502/08/Rumination_manometry2445.jpg")
![Age distribution at diagnosis[6]](/Images/godic/202502/08/Rumination_distribution_by_age2445.png")
Rumination syndrome, or Merycism, is an under-diagnosed chronic motility disorder characterized by effortless regurgitation of most meals following consumption, due to the involuntary contraction of the muscles around the abdomen. There is no retching, nausea, heartburn, odour, or abdominal pain associated with the regurgitation, as there is with typical vomiting. The disorder has been historically documented as affecting only infants, young children, and people with cognitive disabilities (the prevalence is as high as 10% in institutionalized patients with various mental disabilities). Today it is being diagnosed in increasing numbers of otherwise healthy adolescents and adults, though there is a lack of awareness of the condition by doctors, patients and the general public.