Long-Term Consequences of Bulimia - An Overview

Introduction

Bulimia nervosa is commonly referred to as bulimia, a severe yet potentially-life threatening eating disorder. Individuals with bulimia might quietly eat large quantities of food without reason or control. Then, they purge by trying maximum to eliminate the excess calories unwholesomely. Binge-eating and self-induced vomiting are the predominant clinical characteristics of the eating disorder bulimia nervosa.

Within their lifetime, approximately 3 percent of females and over 1 percent of males are estimated to experience bulimia nervosa. It is rarely a deadly disorder when the condition is left unmanaged, leading to life-threatening long-term complications.

What Is Bulimia?

Bulimia is a psychologically-allied eating disorder in which a person eats large portions of food at one take without control, called binging. This is accompanied by purging, where that person eliminates the eaten food by vomiting or exercising. Bulimia is considered a potentially serious condition since it can precipitate various complications in various aspects of the system, including digestive, circulatory, and integumentary. So, it influences a person in psychological and physical means.

What Are the Short Term Consequences of Bulimia?

The short-term effects of bulimia are marked and numerous. The potential short-term consequences of bulimia are listed as follows.

• Electrolyte imbalance.

• Dehydration in severe degrees.

• Stomach pain.

• Bloating.

• Fatigue.

• Anemia.

• Constipation.

• Sore throat.

• Bacterial infections.

• Cavities.

• Gum problems.

• Hair loss.

• Dry skin.

• Acid reflux.

• Sleep problems.

• Intestinal problems.

• Pancreatitis.

• Swelling of the salivary glands.

• Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

• Fullness feels even after eating a small quantity.

• Blood glucose fluctuations.

• Abnormal heart rhythm.

What Are the Long Term Consequences of Bulimia?

Bulimia nervosa can be of distinct degrees, such as mild, moderate, severe, and extreme ones. People with mild and moderate forms of bulimia have fewer episodes of binge eating and purging, with lesser consequences that can be resolved with minimal care and invasion. Individuals with severe bulimia have about eight to thirteen episodes per week, and extreme cases have more than fourteen episodes.

These people can encounter both short-term and long-term consequences associated with eating disorders. However, the experience of these symptoms varies from person to person, depending on the type and frequency of purging. Below are the potential long-term effects of bulimia, categorized according to the bodily systems they impact.

Digestive System:

The complications concerning the gastrointestinal tract are common and severe, with bulimia attributed to purging in the form of vomiting or laxative abuse.

Such complications include diarrhea, bloody stools, and hemorrhoids (piles). Severe dehydration can occur since the person loses fluids and significant nutrients at markedly high rates through vomiting, diarrhea, and laxative abuse.

Rectal prolapse can result in the long-term, whereas the rectum slips out through the way of the anus. Chronic laxative abuse could culminate in severe constipation called cathartic colon syndrome, requiring colectomy in later events. The other complications include the following:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD- a condition in which acid regurgitates into the mouth).

• Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus).

• Esophageal erosions and ulcers (a condition in which the esophageal lining wears away).

• Esophageal bleeding.

• Esophageal and stomach rupture.

• Pain while swallowing.

Dental Aspects:

Dental complications contribute to purging episodes since the vomiting precipitates the stomach acid to erode the tooth enamel. As a result, teeth may become thin and brittle. Pain while chewing and swallowing are the common complications associated with frequent episodes of bulimia. The typical oral complications include the following.

• Cavity risks.

• Increased hypersensitivity of the tooth.

• Tooth loss.

• Xerostomia (dry mouth).

• Gum diseases.

Cardiac Health:

Bulimia can lead to electrolyte imbalance, causing dangerous cardiac complications. This state precipitates various consequences, including abnormal heartbeat, low blood pressure, heart failure, weak pulse rates, and weakened cardiac muscles. The other consequences of cardiac health are listed below:

• Increased heart rate while at rest and exertion.

• A rapid drop in blood pressure.

• Low blood pressure.

• Anemia (a condition where the body is deficient in healthy red blood cells).

• Syncope (fainting).

• Heart palpitations (increased heartbeat).

• Congestive heart failure (a chronic heart problem where the heart does not pump blood properly).

• Acute cardiac arrest.

Reproductive Aspects:

Frequent episodes of purging could lead to a deficiency in nutrition in the system, causing hormonal imbalances. The prevalence of bulimia is higher among women compared to men. Women can get irregular menstrual cycles or no menstrual cycle. This could culminate in infertility for those who are planning to conceive. The following complications are less likely to occur in pregnant women with bulimia nervosa.

• Premature birth.

• Miscarriage.

• Low-pound weight.

• Stillbirths.

• Birth defects.

Skin, Hair, and Nails:

Again, the recurrent purging episodes can cause dry, itchy, and rough skin. This also influences the integumentary system to varying degrees. The risks include the following:

• Sudden hair loss.

• Cheilitis (inflammation concerning the mouth corners).

• Orange discoloration of the skin.

• Skin abrasions.

• Callus formation.

• Excess fine hair growth on the skin.

Pulmonary Complications:

Bulimia nervosa can also cause severe long-term consequences to the pulmonary system. This can include acute respiratory distress in rare instances. The following pulmonary-related risks contribute to the purging attacks.

• Leakage or aspiration of stomach contents to the lungs.

• Irritation condition of the lungs.

• Inflammatory diseases of the lungs, such as pneumonia.

• Small breaks or abrasions in the lungs because of pressure accompanying vomiting.

Throat Concerns:

The main reason behind the complications is the purging through vomiting as the stomach contents are expelled out in an unhealthy way. The exact cause is also likely to irritate or tear the esophageal lining. This may cause certain throat complications.

• Chronic degrees of coughing.

• Indigestion.

• Hoarseness.

• Sore throat.

• The feeling of a lump or anything lodged in the throat.

• Throat pain or discomfort.

Emotional and Mental Health:

As bulimia nervosa is a psychological-related problem, people with this condition also encounter specific distressing symptoms interfering the daily life and cognitive function. The potential risks related to emotional and mental health are described below.

• Depression.

• Anxiety.

• Substance abuse.

• Postpartum depression (depression after childbirth).

• Fear.

• Low self-esteem.

• Relationship issues.

Conclusion

Early intervention is the key to managing long-term consequences associated with bulimia disorder. Bulimia in early and later states is manageable with selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, support groups, and physical exercises. Identifying those at higher risk of severe bulimia and ensuring they receive appropriate intervention can prevent the debilitating and deadly states.