bulimia nervosa
Bulimia, or also known as bulimia nervosa is an illness or eating disorder in which the sufferer often overeats and binges on food, followed by an attempt to prevent weight gain with drastic methods such as consuming laxative to purge what they eat or forced vomiting. Many people who suffer from bulimia nervosa also have anorexia nervosa, another similar disorder.
bulimia
According to bulimia studies and research, it is known that women suffer from bulimia more often than men do. The highest percentage of bulimia sufferers are young women and adolescent girls. However, researchers are unable to point a finger to the actual cause of bulimia nervosa. Most bulimia researchers theorize that cultural factors, social factors, society, family, trauma, genetic factors and psychological factors may play a role.

One of the main symptoms or signs of a person suffering from bulimia is the habit of overeating and binging, most of the time secretly. This behavior causes them to feel guilt and disgust with themselves, which causes them to find ways to purge by using drastic methods such as using laxatives or diuretics, excessive exercising as well as forcing themselves to vomit. The act of purging often relieves them of this guilt.

Those who are bulimic are normal in weight and size, but they see themselves as overweight. Most people do not notice that a person is bulimic because of their normal weight, but some behavioral clues are the likes of over exercising, regularly going to the bathroom right after meals, and over-binging. Take a look at the trashcan to see if there are discarded packages of laxatives or diuretics.

Other signs of bulimia could be detected through tests done by a doctor. Clear signs include gum infection or cavities due to the teeth being overexposed to the stomach acid brought up by forced vomiting. The strain from the forced vomiting could also cause burst blood vessels in the eye, dry mouth, swollen salivary glands, pimples and rash. A test could be done to detect electrolyte imbalances and dehydration from purging.

Bulimia or bulimia nervosa is often a long term illness. Those who are suspected suffering from bulimia nervosa should seek help from professionals. Bulimia should be taken seriously as it is dangerous and could cause various health problems such as hemorrhoids, pancreatitis, tears of the esophagus and so much more.

The information provided is for discussion purposes only and not to be used for diagnosis or treatment. A medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.