Effects of bulimia
The cycles of out-of-control eating, followed by self-induced vomiting or other forms of purging may directly cause:
- Chronic gastric reflux after eating
- Dehydration and hypokalemia caused by vomiting
- Electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and even death
- Oral trauma, in which repetitive insertion of fingers or other objects causes lacerations to the lining of the mouth or throat
- Gastroparesis or delayed emptying
- Constipation
- Enlarged glands in the neck, under the jaw line
- Peptic ulcers
- Calluses or scars on back of hands due to repeated trauma from incisors