Complications of Bulimia nervosa

Complications list for Bulimia nervosa:

The list of complications that have been mentioned in various sources for Bulimia nervosa includes:

• Low blood potassium
• Irregular heartbeats
• Heart failure
• Death
• Kidney complications (see Kidney symptoms)
• Chronic irregular bowel movements (see Bowel movements)
• Constipation
• Suicide
• Stomach rupture (see Digestive symptoms) - very rarely from overeating

See also the symptoms of Bulimia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa: Introduction.

Complications and sequelae of Bulimia nervosa from the Diseases Database include:

• Hypokalaemia
• Parotid gland enlargement
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting

See also the symptoms of Bulimia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa: Introduction.

Complications of Bulimia nervosa:

Bulimia Nervosa: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Bulimia can be extremely harmful to the body. The type of purging behavior used can have varied effects on different body systems. Most complications of bulimia result from electrolyte (salt in the blood) imbalance or trauma from repeated purging behaviors. · Self-induced vomiting can erode tooth enamel, increase dental cavities, and create a sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold food. Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (cheek area) can occur. Also, repeat vomiting can result in irritation and tears in the lining of the throat, esophagus, and stomach (ulcers). · The misuse of laxatives and diuretics results in the loss of sodium and potassium that can damage the heart muscle, increasing the risk for irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and/or death. Also, misuse of laxatives can result in chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation. (Source: excerpt from Bulimia Nervosa: NWHIC)

Eating Disorders: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Bulimia nervosa patients -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by frequent binge eating and purging. In rare instances, binge eating causes the stomach to rupture; purging may result in heart failure due to loss of vital minerals such as potassium. Vomiting causes other less deadly, but serious, problems -- the acid in vomit wears down the outer layer of the teeth and can cause scarring on the backs of hands when fingers are pushed down the throat to induce vomiting. Further, the esophagus becomes inflamed and glands near the cheeks become swollen. As in anorexia, bulimia may lead to irregular menstrual periods. Interest in sex may also diminish. (Source: excerpt from Eating Disorders: NWHIC)

Fact Sheet Eating Disorders: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Most medical complications attributed to bulimia nervosa result from electrolyte imbalance and repeated purging behaviors. Loss of potassium due to vomiting, for example, damages heart muscle, increasing the risk for cardiac arrest. Repeated vomiting also causes inflammation of the esophagus and possible erosion of tooth enamel as well as damage to the salivary glands. Some individuals with bulimia struggle with addictions such as drugs and alcohol, and compulsive stealing. Like those with anorexia, many people with bulimia suffer from clinical depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other psychiatric illnesses. (Source: excerpt from Fact Sheet Eating Disorders: NWHIC)

Bulimia nervosa Symptoms: Book Excerpts

• Signs and symptoms - Bulimia nervosa
• Signs and symptoms - Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa as a symptom:

For a more detailed analysis of Bulimia nervosa as a symptom, including causes, drug side effect causes, and drug interaction causes, please see our Symptom Center information for Bulimia nervosa.

About complications:

Complications of Bulimia nervosa are secondary conditions, symptoms, or other disorders that are caused by Bulimia nervosa. In many cases the distinction between symptoms of Bulimia nervosa and complications of Bulimia nervosa is unclear or arbitrary.

 » Next page: Misdiagnosis of Bulimia nervosa

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