Bulimia- Bulimia nervosa Symptom, Causes, Treatment

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterised by binges in which huge amounts of food are consumed, and an obsession with food, weight gain and body size. Bulimia is characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by inappropriate methods of weight control (purging). These feelings often lead to forced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, and overexercising after the binge. Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa, bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are male.

People with bulimia can look perfectly normal. Most of them are of normal weight, and some may be overweight. Women with bulimia tend to be high achievers. Bulimia mostly affects young women, and is believed to be a manifestation of emotional disturbances associated with depression and anxiety-Bouts of bulimia often occur in people with anorexia nervosa, who alternate between starvation diets and eating binges. Bulimics rarely become as emaciated as anorexics.

Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia

Here are the list of some of the common sign and symptoms of :

• Eating uncontrollably, purging, strict dieting, fasting, vigorous exercise,
• Vomiting or abusing laxatives or diuretics in an attempt to lose weight.
• Preoccupation with body weight
• Depression or mood swings. Feeling out of control.
• Swollen glands in neck and face
• Heartburn, bloating, indigestion, constipation
• Irregular periods
• Dental problems, sore throat
• Weakness, exhaustion bloodshot eyes

According to the World Health Organisation, the criteria for a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa include the following:

• persistent preoccupation with eating and an irresistible craving for food.
• episodes of overeating in which large amounts of food are consumed in short periods of time.
• excessive exercise, induced vomiting after eating, starving for periods of time or taking medicines such as laxatives or diuretics to counteract the bingeing.
• fear of obesity, which is also seen in people with anorexia nervosa, and there is some overlap in the symptoms of these two diseases.

Causes of Bulimia

The definite cause of bulimia is unknown. However, most people with bulimia nervosa maintain a normal body weight. Patients with bulimia nervosa often suffer from low self-esteem. Researchers believe it begins with dissatisfaction of the person's body and extreme concern with body size and shape. Bulimia is not the same thing as anorexia which is self-imposed starvation. The anorexic is abnormally thin, has a distorted body image and has an intense fear of gaining weight.

Treatment of Bulimia

Here is the list of some of the effective treatment option of treating bulimia by using different methods and therapies:

• cognitive behavioural therapy, a form of psychological therapy, is an effective treatment for many patients.
• admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
• Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women
• support groups can be helpful as they can be attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
• Antidepressant medication can also be effective at treating the symptoms of bulimia nervosa.

Complications of bulimia

Complications of bulimia include

• Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (from repeated vomiting).
• Stomach Ulcers.
• Ruptures of the stomach and esophagus.
• Abnormal buildup of fluid in the intestines.
• disorders of body chemistry from malnutrition or excessive purging and vomiting;
• hoarseness and severe damage to teeth from repeated vomiting;
• menstrual disturbances;
• muscle spasms or fits;
• and disturbances of heart and kidney function, very rarely, death from rupture of the stomach can occur after extreme binges.
• Erosion of tooth enamel because of repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents.
• Dental cavities, sensitivity to hot or cold food.
• Disruption in the normal bowel release function.
• Dehydration
• Irregular heartbeat and in severe cases heart attack

What are the types of bulimia?

There are two types of bulimia, based on how the person with bulimia compensates for the binge eating:

1. Purging type of bulimia - The person induces vomiting or uses a diuretic, laxative, or enema to purge food from the body, as a compensation for bingeing.
2. Nonpurging type of bulimia - The person with bulimia does not purge food from the body, but instead fasts or engages in excessive exercise to use up calories.

What are the effects of bulimia?

Bulimia causes serious physical and emotional effects. Some of the major effects of bulimia include:

• an imbalance in electrolytes;
• inflammation of the esophagus, salivary glands, and jaw;
• problems with teeth, gums, and lips;
• chronic irregular bowel movements due to abusive laxatives;
• feelings of shame and guilt;
• depression;
• low self-esteem; and
• damaged family and social relationships.

Home | Directory | Skin Diseases | Site Map | Cardiovascular Diseases | Hematological Diseases | Contact Us | Medical Blog
Copyright © 2008 Medical-Diseases.info All Rights Reserved.