
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by excessive preoccupation with weight, craving for food with periods of binging followed by inappropriate behaviours such as self-induced vomiting to avoid weight gain.
These compensatory behaviours have to occur at least once a week. Other such behaviours include abuse of tablets with aim to lose weight, like laxative, diet pills, water tablets, amongst others.
Consequences of purging in your body
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Eroded and Tooth decay (acid)
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Cuts to mouth & tongue (fingernails)
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Parotid gland enlargement (lateral sides of face)
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Coarse voice (damage vocal cords)
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Increase salivary amylase enzyme levels
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Seizures, cerebral oedema (due to electrolyte imbalance)
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Regular vomiting changes brain processes, making more likely to binge eat to occur in the future
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Depression & Anxiety (35 to 70%)
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Alcohol & substance misuse (20-30%)
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Post traumatic stress (37%)
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Emotional unstable Personality disorder– Borderline type
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Cuts & abrasions in hands (from teeth)
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"Russell's sign“ - callus on back of hand (acid damage)
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Inflammation of oesophagus & ulcers (Acid damage)
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Mallory-Weiss tears (tears oesophagus)
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Hematemesis (vomit blood)
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Boerhaave syndrome (ruptured oesophagus)
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Acid reflux
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Oesophageal cancer (rare)
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Paralysis of stomach & gastric cramps (when eating)
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Heartburn (Gastric reflux)
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Gastric ulcers
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Irregular bowel movements (due to laxative abuse)
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Irregular heartbeat (due to low potassium)
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Sudden death due to cardiac arrest
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Kidney Failure (electrolyte imbalance, mostly potassium)
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Oedema (limbs swelling)
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Dehydration