My daughter is suffering from eating disorder

My 24 year-old-daughter is suffering from eating disorder. She eats a lot and after taken the meal she will rush to toilet and force-vomit. This has affected her weight. She was diagnosed to be suffering from Bulimia according to an expert doctor outside Nigeria. Kindly provide details about this problem. Patience  V.   Bulimia nervosa […]

My 24 year-old-daughter is suffering from eating disorder. She eats a lot and after taken the meal she will rush to toilet and force-vomit. This has affected her weight. She was diagnosed to be suffering from Bulimia according to an expert doctor outside Nigeria. Kindly provide details about this problem.

Patience  V.

 

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating (overdo), followed by frantic efforts to avoid gaining weight. It affects women and men of all ages.

Signs and Symptoms

Binge (overdo) eating signs and symptoms 

1.Lack of control over eating – Inability to stop eating. Eating until the point of physical discomfort and pain.

2.Secrecy surrounding eating – Going to the kitchen after everyone else has gone to bed. Going out alone on unexpected food runs. Wanting to eat in privacy.

3.Eating unusually large amounts of food with no obvious change in weight.

4.Disappearance of food, numerous empty wrappers or food containers in the garbage, or hidden stashes of junk food.

5.Alternating between overeating and fasting – Rarely eats normal meals. It’s all-or-nothing when it comes to food.

 

Purging signs and symptoms 

1.Going to the bathroom after meals – Frequently disappears after meals or takes a trip to the bathroom to throw up. May run the water to disguise sounds of vomiting.

2.Using laxatives, diuretics, or enemas after eating. May also take diet pills to curb appetite.

3.Smell of vomit – The bathroom or the person may smell like vomit. They may try to cover up the smell with mouthwash, perfume, air freshener, gum, or mints.

4.Excessive exercising – Works out strenuously, especially after eating. Typical activities include high-intensity calorie burners such as running or aerobics.

Physical signs and symptoms of Bulimia 

1.Calluses or scars on the knuckles or hands from sticking fingers down the throat to induce vomiting.

2.Discolored teeth.

3.Frequent fluctuations in weight.

Effect of bulimia 

When you are living with bulimia, you are putting your body—and even your life—at risk. The most dangerous side effect of bulimia is dehydration due to purging. Vomiting, laxatives, and diuretics can cause electrolyte imbalances in the body, most commonly in the form of low potassium levels. Low potassium levels trigger a wide range of symptoms ranging from lethargy and cloudy thinking to irregular heartbeat and death. Chronically low levels of potassium can also result in kidney failure.

Other common medical complications and adverse effects of bulimia include:

1.Weakness and dizziness

2.Tooth decay and mouth sores

3.Acid reflux or ulcers

4.Ruptured stomach or esophagus

5.Loss of menstrual periods

6.Chronic constipation from laxative abuse

7.Weight gain

8.Abdominal pain, bloating

9.Swelling of the hands and feet

10.Chronic sore throat, hoarseness

11.Broken blood vessels in the eyes

12.Swollen cheeks and salivary glands

Causes and risk factors 

There is no single cause of bulimia. 

1.Poor body image

2.Low self-esteem

3. History of trauma or abuse

4.Appearance-oriented professions or activities

 Steps to Bulimia recovery

1.Admit you have a problem. 

2. Talk to someone. 

3.Stay away from people, places, and activities that trigger the temptation to binge or purge. 

4. Seek professional help.