Bulimia causes various health problems, including damage to the digestive tract, organ failure, dental problems, and neurological complications. Patients need immediate treatment to prevent permanent health problems, and follow-up treatment is recommended. Psychological problems and an increased risk of substance abuse and self-harming behaviors are also common. Severe bulimia can lead to death, and recovered patients are at risk of pregnancy complications and cardiovascular disease.
The health effects of bulimia are myriad, especially in patients who have had this eating disorder for a long time, as it is very hard on the body. Health problems caused by bulimia can include damage to the esophagus and digestive tract, organ failure, dental problems, and neurological complications, among others. People with bulimia need to be treated as quickly as possible to prevent permanent health problems, and follow-up treatment and lifelong observation are usually recommended to keep patients healthy.
Patients with bulimia go through a cycle of binge eating and purging, eating large amounts of food and following up with vomiting and using laxatives to purge it. Many also fast periodically. All of these activities put a strain on the body, and the health effects of bulimia are sometimes irreversible.
Frequent vomiting can lead to dental problems such as erosion of the tooth enamel, gum disease and lesions in the mouth. These can expose patients to the risk of tooth decay and infection. Vomiting also strains the esophagus; rarely, the esophagus may actually rupture, but more commonly, patients have difficulty swallowing due to injury from regular vomiting. In addition, patients may experience gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and diarrhea caused by overuse of laxatives, as well as an irregular diet.
Other health effects of bulimia involve internal organs. Many patients develop dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This can lead to liver and kidney damage, irregular heartbeats, muscle spasms, and brain damage. Patients can develop seizures and neurological problems due to damage to the nervous system. Commonly, patients become anemic and menses may stop or become highly intermittent in women with bulimia. Fractures can be a risk for many patients as poor nutrition leads to loss of bone density.
Patients with bulimia are also at risk of psychological problems. The health effects of bulimia can include an increased risk of substance abuse and self-harming behaviors, and patients can also experience depression and mood swings. Lifelong psychiatric care is often recommended for eating disorder patients to address body image, self-esteem, and related issues. Because patients often develop a complex relationship with food and nutrition, there is a risk of relapse, especially in times of stress. Regular appointments with a therapist can help patients catch and deal with returns to disordered eating early.
Severe bulimia can lead to death, often due to cardiovascular problems. Patients who successfully recover from bulimia are at increased risk later in life for pregnancy complications and cardiovascular disease due to the health effects of bulimia.
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