Complications of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

Eating disorders are very serious and need to be treated as soon as possible. Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa can cause life taking complications if not treated in addition to irreparable physical damage that can result in a lifetime of treatment.

 

Damage caused to the body from a strict diet results from the body not getting enough protein, calories and the extreme weight loss. Frequent elimination after eating to control weight such as vomiting and using laxatives and diuretics will cause complications on their own. Some that have worked through Anorexia and Bulimia will find that there is an excessive weight increase with complications of obesity as a result. The body looses its routine in processing food and calories. Calories consumed are turned into fat and stored as the body's way of protecting it from starvation again.

 

Death being a very real result of any eating disorder, the mortality rate for Anorexics alone is between 4 and 18 percent. At this rate of death, it can be closely compared to deaths resulting from drug abuse. Death from Anorexia Nervosa is usually caused by cardiac, pulmonary and renal damage. These are linked to deadly malnutrition and self-aggressive behaviour common in nearly 20 percent of Anorexic patients.

 

Classic complications of malnutrition:

 

 

Anorexic women who are wanting to have a baby will find it extremely difficult and it is not advised. If you are pregnant and suffering from Anorexia Nervosa there is a very large risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Keep in mind that the fetus needs proper nutrition to grow and thrive as well as a healthy mother.

 

Induced vomiting on a regular basis can cause gastritis and permanent damage to teeth and enamel. Salivary glands can become painfully swollen causing the cheeks of the face to look like "chipmunk cheeks." Frequent induced vomiting can also cause permanent damage to the vocal cords due to sub-acute laryngitis.

 

Abuse of diuretics can cause:

 

 

Long term complications of laxative abuse is chronic intestinal inflammation. In time it causes the loss of intestinal motor capacities and permanent constipation. In rare cases stomach ulcers can develop as well as heart rhythm problems.

 

Again, eating disorders are to be taken very seriously. A person with an eating disorder is not only suffering from the malnutrition complications but also mental conflicts. If you know someone who is suffering from Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa try to help them make an appointment right away with either a medical doctor or a mental health professional. When making an appointment it is always okay to ask if you can accompany your friend. It usually helps to have the extra support there from someone that they trust and have confided in for the first visit and health care professionals will normally not have a problem with it.