Bulimia
Complications of bulimia
There are a number of physical complications associated with bulimia.
These can include any of the following:
- Dental problems persistent vomiting can cause your stomach acid to damage the enamel on your teeth, which may lead to tooth decay. Excessive vomiting can also cause Halitosis (bad breath) and a sore throat .
- Irregular periods your menstrual cycle can become unpredictable, or even stop altogether. You may also find it difficult to become pregnant in the future.
- Poor skin and hair a lack of nutrients through persistent vomiting or laxative use can make your skin and hair unhealthy. Your skin and hair can become dry and your fingernails can become brittle.
- Swollen glands if you have bulimia, your saliva glands can become swollen from frequent vomiting. This makes your face appear rounder.
- Chemical imbalance excessive vomiting and laxative use can cause chemical imbalances in your body. This can result in tiredness, weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, kidney damage, convulsions (fits) and muscle spasms.
- Bowel problems excessive use of laxatives can damage your bowel muscles, resulting in permanent constipation.
- Heart problems long-term complications of bulimia can include an increased risk of heart problems.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 30 Nov 2016
Introduction
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder and mental health condition where someone is binge eating, then making themselves vomit or using laxatives to purge the food from their body.
Symptoms of bulimia
The main symptoms of bulimia are binge eating and purging (ridding your body of food by making yourself vomit or taking laxatives).
Causes of bulimia
There is no simple answer to the question of what causes bulimia. Although the condition is linked to a fear of getting fat, more complex emotions usually contribute.
Diagnosing bulimia
If you have an eating disorder such as bulimia, the first step is to recognise that you have a problem and visit your GP.
Treating bulimia
You can recover from bulimia, but it may be a long and difficult process. The first step towards getting better is recognising the problem and seeking help.
Complications of bulimia
There are a number of physical complications associated with bulimia, including dental problems, irregular periods and bad skin.
Patient story: "Bulimia isn't a women’s disease; it’s a people's disease"
Steve Blacknell, 55, used tosneak intothe kitchen in the middle of the night to eat in secret. He has been a recovering bulimic for 20 years.
Patient story: "I knew it had to stop because I was living a dual life."
Liselle Terret, 38,had bulimia between the age of 14and 23.I was struggling a bit at school and I wasnt very happy at home. It was classic 'middle-child
Patient story: "I went into hospital with a ruptured bile duct from vomiting so much."
Mary Black, 48, who runs a small business in the Midlands, battled with bulimia for several years but eventually found the road to recovery."I think my bulimia
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