Bulimia nervosa. Complications, prognosis and prevention.
Bulimia nervosa must be addressed very carefully, since it may result in a wide range of consequences. Because of its serious complications bulimia nervosa may be proved fatal. It has to be mentioned that eating disorders have one of the highest death rates among all mental illnesses. In fact, these death rates are higher than those of some types of cancer.
The most typical complications of bulimia nervosa are described bellow.
 Pancreatitis which, in turn, may lead to severe indigestion. Chronic pancreatic inflammation can result in liver problems, anemia, insulin deficiency and diabetes.
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, especially potassium deficiency (hypokalemia), which can lead to high blood pressure, palpitations or irregular heart beat and even heart failure.
Dental problems, such as teeth erosion or decay and gum inflammation. These occur due to excessive vomiting that involves the frequent presence of gastric acids in the mouth.
Enlarged, swollen or inflamed salivary glands. This condition is referred to as sialadenosis.
Frequent vomiting may cause tenderness, soreness or inflammation of the throat and esophagus because of the effect of gastric acid on these areas.
Gastric rupture during periods of binge eating.
Peptic ulcers, abdominal pain and distension.
Constipation and hemorrhoids. In order to treat constipation, the individual may end up with laxative dependence.
Binge eating quite often results in weight gain.
Prognosis of bulimia nervosa.
Bulimia nervosa is a chronic illness and a lot of people continue to have episodes or symptoms, despite treatment. In many cases, the disorder may be present for more than thirty years. Statistical data show that treatment of bulimia nervosa is not always effective, since nearly 40% of bulimic people remain chronically symptomatic and three out of ten patients relapse. Individuals with fewer medical complications of bulimia nervosa tend to have a better chance of recovery.
Prevention of bulimia nervosa.
Emotional support, improvement of self-esteem, less social and cultural emphasis on physical perfection may eventually help in decrease of the frequency of bulimia nervosa.
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