Preparing for an appointment

You may start by seeing your or your child's primary care provider. Or you may be referred immediately to a doctor who specializes in digestive disorders (gastroenterologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything that needs to be done in advance, such as fasting before a specific test. Make a list of:

• Symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment
• Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you or your child take, including the doses
• Questions to ask the doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For rumination syndrome, some basic questions to ask the doctor include:

• What's the most likely cause of these symptoms?
• Are there other possible causes?
• Are any tests needed?
• Is this likely temporary or long lasting?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Are there any alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
• Are any dietary restrictions recommended?
• Do you have any brochures or other printed material about this condition? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you several questions, such as:

• When did the symptoms begin?
• Do symptoms occur with every meal?
• How severe are the symptoms?
• Does anything make your or your child's symptoms better?
• Does anything seem to worsen the symptoms?

What you can do in the meantime

Chewing gum may help ease some rumination syndrome symptoms for some people.