Know The Side Effects Of Bulimia Nervosa
What Are The Dangers In Bulimia?

The effects of bulimia are pretty evident even in the short term. Tooth erosion and puffy, swollen cheeks are among bulimia side effects. How does this affect the family, and what are some of the other dangers in bulimia?

When experts think of bulimia nervosa, they probably look at it in terms of both long and short term effects. Over time, the long term effects of bulimia can become permanent or irreversible.

What I discuss here are mostly short term effects, or they are things that may come and go.

It's also possible for many of these symptoms and behaviors to develop into long term (or permanent) issues if they are not treated.

Family reactions to having a bulimic in the house can vary from concern and curiosity to full blown anger and frustration -- especially if the loved one has not yet been formally diagnosed, and they have no idea what's going on.

The early effects of bulimia begin to show in certain behaviors that may seem odd, unusual or out of character to other members of the family. Food may start to disappear, your loved one might be spending more time in the bathroom, more time sleeping, and so on.

There could be signs of social isolation and withdrawal, as well as lack of self esteem, anxiety and depression. In the early stages, the individual may have sudden mood swings which make it seem as though their symptoms come and go.

There's a tendency at this stage for outsiders to think that everything is fine.... telling themselves, Oh, my sister was a basket case yesterday, but now everything is good...". This is not the case. Your loved one still needs help.

Effects Of Bulimia On Physical Appearance - Bulimia Side Effects

A person's outward physical appearance may indicate that the effects of bulimia are beginning to take their toll. It's important to remember that these signs may not show up right away. A person could be suffering for quite some time before any symptoms are visible.

Furthermore, it is very likely that the sufferer make every effort to camouflage and hide anything that might give their illness away. Of course, at the very same time, they will deny the fact that there are any problems with their health.

The following are just a few of the physical effects of bulimia that you might notice in your loved one, and a number of these are the result of purging activities:

• Tooth erosion - purging causes stomach acids to wear away at the teeth
• Tooth discoloration
• Swollen cheeks
• Puffy, bloodshot eyes
• Persistent bad breath
• Dry, brittle hair - due to malnutrition
• Dry, cold skin
• Sleepiness, weakness

Effects Of Bulimia On Internal Organs And Systems

It's difficult to comprehend the serious effects of eating disorders like bulimia on internal organs because we can't see them. We have a tendency to believe that if you can't see the damage, it's not really there, or it simply "isn't that bad".

Again, this is just not true. There are many dangers in bulimia, even in the short term. In fact, if these conditions are not discovered or treated early, they can escalate into long term effects of bulimia.

Here are some short term signs and symptoms of bulimia that should be monitored by a medical doctor to ensure that they don't become worse, or lead to permanent damage:

• Lazy Bowel Syndrome (constipation) - due to misuse of laxatives
• Irregular heart beat - (heart arrhythmia)
• Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD) - heartburn can be a symptom
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Enlarged Salivary Glands - due to purging
• Stomach ulcers
• Hormonal changes, menstrual cycle changes, infertility

The signs and symptoms of bulimia listed here are just a few of the potentially fatal bulimia side effects. If any seem suspiciously like someone you know, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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