Recognizing The Signs Of Bulimia
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010What is bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by attacks of extreme overeating (binging) followed by the use of laxatives and self-vomiting (purging). Bulimia usually begins as an attempt to avoid weight gain, however the binge / purge cycle out of control and the individual will not be stopped.
What are the signs and symptoms of bulimia?
Bulimia, eating disorders are like many, can not for some time, detected before symptoms become obvious. Often, the actions and habits are by someone with bulimia, although considered somewhat strange are not thought to be nothing to fear. Another difficulty in detecting bulimia comes from the fact that as a general rule, look at a healthy bulimia. Unlike a person suffering from anorexia, bulimia are often normal weight and can even be overweight. However, there are signs of a concerned parent or friend, whether a loved one suffering from bulimia can look to assess trends. An obvious habit to go to the bathroom immediately after a meal. This is not a definitive character, however, as there are many people who excuse themselves shortly after a meal with very legitimate reasons! That is, a smell of vomit or acid breath can mean cleaning up the calories by self-induced vomiting. In addition, bulimics often have calluses on your fingers or the back of his hand from her teeth rub their knuckles when they induce vomiting. Caries from excessive contact with stomach acid for bulimics problematic. A visit to the dentist, a method for determining whether your child have vomiting after meals. It may be uncomfortable jaw, bleeding gums or other oral complaints.
Abdomen and discomfort, bloating and excessive gas signal can also bulimia. Excessive use of laxatives can cause irritation of the gastro-intestinal tract and possibly even permanent damage. Diarrhea and constipation may be linked to the misuse of laxatives. Long-term laxative abuse can lead to poor colon function and hence the inability to have a bowel movement without laxatives (constipation). Diarrhea causes excessive fluid loss, dehydration and MAL-absorption of essential nutrients. can cause electrolyte imbalances.
Often an individual to eat, what they want and never gain weight is the envy seems, however, this may be a sign of bulimia. Concerned parents may find that large quantities of food from the kitchen seem to disappear. In addition, an abundance of food on packaging and waste in the garbage could be a cause for concern. Bulimic are usually very secretive with their eating habits, often hidden in their rooms or sneak into the kitchen late at night. Bulimics can breathe huge amounts of food before lavage, a whole cake or eat a box full of ice cream in one sitting. You can eat and horde, although huge amounts when they eat by themselves, they are generally very delicate and picky when others are present.
Strange eating habits such as cutting food into very small bites, eat only foods in certain combinations, which results in various types of foods and dishes about pressure on the plate can be any signs of an eating disorder. Bulimics may also drink large quantities of water and / or diet cola. This can help to facilitate vomiting.
Excessive or rigid exercise routines can also be a feature of bulimia. Not all bulimics purge by vomiting and laxatives. Some eat huge amounts of food and then try the “damage” caused by strict legal restrictions have exercise and diet do to reverse. It is often difficult to distinguish between a serious athlete and bulimia, because both can take advantage of more than average and eat very small amounts. Generally, however, is the serious athletes to eat enough for their needs during the bulimia calorie intake will be limited to a dangerous level.
What are the consequences of bulimia?
Bulimia, left diagnosed, can be a life-threatening illness. Binging can lead to obesity and the plethora of health complications associated with obesity. These include, but are not limited to, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and hypertension. More alarming, however, the effects of constant diarrhea. Purging by vomiting can lead to periodontal disease, inflammation of the jaw, salivary glands, esophagus. In some cases, even gastric rupture occur during the flushing. Electrolyte imbalances, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and dehydration are directly related to clean. Stakeholders also experience bowel irregularities, chronic diarrhea, constipation and bloating. In addition to the above result, chronic fatigue, muscle pain and weakness, depression, self-hatred, fear and other psychological or emotional problems.
Electrolyte imbalance, which may have caused, uncomfortable and often fatal consequences of chronic diarrhea and vomiting in a bulimia. Common signs and symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include:
? weakness
? Irritability
? Muscle spasms
? Thirst
? soft tissue swelling
? Confusion
? Agitation
? Depression
? Changes in heart rate or blood pressure
? loss of coordination
Symptoms of dehydration are:
? Dry mucous membranes in the nose and mouth
? Reduced levels of urine
? urine dark yellow in color
? Dizziness, especially when standing
? Low blood pressure
? Dry, warm skin
? Irritability
Each of the above symptoms are worrying, and as a parent or friend of an alleged bulimia sufferers should not be ignored.
What are the best treatment options for bulimia?
Eating disorders are serious, often fatal diseases. They should not be ignored, especially since the chance of full recovery significantly decreases the longer the practices remain untreated. The treatment of bulimia includes a comprehensive, multifaceted approach. This includes psychotherapists, nutristionists, doctors, consultants and other medical professionals. There are options for outpatient treatment, but treatment at a clinic that specializes in recovery from eating disorders often the most successful option. The treatment usually consists of cognitive behavioral therapy with a psychotherapist. This will help replace negative body image and damaging behaviors and thought processes with positive and realistic ideals. Along with this, dance therapy, animal therapy and other “hands on” types of approaches are used. The patient receives a medical evaluation to assess what damage caused by the famine might have been done, binging, purging and excessive exercise. A nutritionist will be consulted to a well-rounded, to provide nutritional plan and to teach proper eating habits. A healthier relationship be taught to eat. The patient may be prompted to create a food diary or journal detailing is not only what to eat and when to hold, but their emotional state at the time. Family therapy is often included in treatment in order to help the Bulimic patients understand the processes of the disease and what they can do to facilitate recovery. Finally, medications such as antidepressants and / or anti-anxiety drug prescribed to be to stabilize the emotional upheaval surrounding eating disorders and recovery.
Group therapy and support groups are generally encouraged during treatment for bulimia. It can be very helpful for bulimia patients to recognize that they are not alone in their struggles. It is also a good way to pull the patient and to discourage much of the secrecy that surrounds the patient usually actions. It is very important when choosing a treatment facility that you have to ask about the methodology in their group therapy. Sitting with a group of patients who struggle with bulimia and discuss methods of purging or ways that they hide their disease counterproductive to healing.
Where can I find organizations with more information about bulimia?
There are many organizations to help those with eating disorders focus. Caution should be used in the search for assistance to ensure that the organizations and Web sites are offering up to date, accurate information. Some organizations may use are:
? National Eating Disorders Association
? www. nationaleatingdisorders. org
? Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center
? www. edreferral. com
? Pale Reflections Eating Disorders Community Treatment Finder
? www. pale reflections. com
? Something Fishy Website on Eating Disorders
? www. something-fishy. org
What do I do if my child or friend has bulimia feel?
The first thing to remember is that you can not force your child / friend to change their behavior. The attempt to persuade, force, or “blame” the child is in changing not work! In general, they have already felt guilty for their behavior, and you, that is not beneficial. If your friend or a child over 18, there is nothing you do can stop them. Your best option is to be a good listener. Give them a list of resources should they choose to seek help. Remember that eating disorders are generally not about the food. The underlying emotional problems are and what must be addressed. help to express love and concern for the individual and the desire, if you are able. They support, if and when they decide to seek professional help.
If your child under the age of 18 years, you have several options. But understand that to make it not an easy choice! Your child can beg, plead, promise to change to avoid contact, etc., in-patient treatment. Note that the ultimate goal is full recovery and that the sooner the eating disorder is treated, the greater the chance of a full recovery. It is rare for an individual to be able to stop this self-destructive behavior on their own. It is not uncommon for a child to promise to change and then work harder just to hide the habit, while the continuation of the behavior. There are many opportunities for recovery and to help. Research these and decide which option is best for your situation. In the words of an individual suffering from an eating disorder, “research the illness before you talk to your child, they hear from, they love and support them. This is a complex problem that should not be taken lightly …”
