Bulimia

What Are the Complications of Bulimia

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: June 5, 2018
What Are the Complications of Bulimia

Bulimia is one of the most common eating disorders that affects teens and pre-pubescent girls especially. This condition is also accompanied by certain psychological patterns and requires the attention of a specialist. This is not only to overcome behavioural effects and effects on mood, but also to prevent serious damage on your health. We explain what the complications of bulimia are in this OneHowTo.

Contents

  1. A condition that requires attention
  2. Physical complications of bulimia
  3. Psychological complications of bulimia
  4. Prepare the appointment

A condition that requires attention

If you or someone close to you suffers from bulimia it is important to understand that a psychologist's care is needed to guarantee your health and life. The body requires nutrients to stay in good condition, and if it doesn't receive them, it develops different conditions that can lead to serious health complications.

It is also good to understand that we all deserve to be happy and live in peace, and that while this disorder can trap people, it is possible to achieve peace of mind and happiness.

Physical complications of bulimia

Bulimia is a condition that presents both physical and psychological complications. The body requires nutrients to stay healthy and correctly perform all of its processes, so a lack of nutrients or shortage of food significantly threatens your health. A bulimic person faces the following physical complications:

  • Heart problems which may be irreversible such as arrhythmia, mitral valve prolapse and low blood pressure. In the worst cases, it can lead to heart failure and death.
  • Frequent stomach problems such as constipation. Over time, bulimia can cause irritable bowel syndrome, reflux, hiatal hernia or pancreatitis. These stomach problems can lead to a dependence on laxatives in order to get bowel movements.
  • Lesions in the oesophagus and throat from stomach acids present in vomit.
  • Metabolic problems caused by altered levels of iron, potassium, calcium, among others.
  • Bone weakness that can lead to premature osteoporosis.
  • Kidney problems.
  • Dehydration, which can lead to kidney failure.
  • Irreversible deterioration of tooth enamel caused by constant contact with stomach acids.
  • Irregularities in menstrual periods.
What Are the Complications of Bulimia - Physical complications of bulimia

Psychological complications of bulimia

Physical complications can cause irreversible damage for life, seriously affecting the health of those who suffer from bulimia. But psychological damage caused by this disease is also serious and important, among which the most common are:

  • Low self-esteem, repulsion or hatred for one's own figure.
  • Chronic depression.
  • High levels of anxiety.
  • Little interest in social relationships, isolation.
  • Irritability and moodiness.
  • High possibility of self-inflicted physical harm or suicide.
What Are the Complications of Bulimia - Psychological complications of bulimia

Prepare the appointment

If you or a friend suffers from bulimia, you should visit your doctor before all the complications stated before get worse. Before the appointment you should make a list of your symptoms and personal information, including any stress that is affecting your life. Don't be scared of speaking out to your family and friends about your problem, they will help you get through it.

If your doctor suspects you have bulimia, he or she will perform different tests to make sure. Once you have the diagnosis, your doctor will explain you very carefully what to do. Remember that your health comes first, so go to your doctor as soon as you can to avoid any of the complications stated in this article.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to What Are the Complications of Bulimia, we recommend you visit our Mental health category.

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