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.
