Bulimia - Complications of bulimia

There are a number of physical complications associated with bulimia.

These can include any of the following:

  • Dental problems  persistent vomiting can cause your stomach acid to damage the enamel on your teeth, which may lead to tooth decay. Excessive vomiting can also cause bad breath and a sore throat.
  • Irregular periods  your menstrual cycle can become unpredictable, or even stop altogether. You may also find it difficult to become pregnant in the future.
  • Poor skin and hair  a lack of nutrients through persistent vomiting or laxative use can make your skin and hair unhealthy. Your skin and hair can become dry and your fingernails can become brittle.
  • Swollen glands  if you have bulimia, your saliva glands can become swollen from frequent vomiting. This makes your face appear rounder.
  • Chemical imbalance  excessive vomiting and laxative use can cause chemical imbalances in your body. This can result in tiredness, weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, kidney damage, convulsions (fits) and muscle spasms.
  • Bowel problems  excessive use of laxatives can damage your bowel muscles, resulting in permanent constipation.
  • Heart problems  long-term complications of bulimia can include an increased risk of heart problems.

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