What medical complications and long-term effects can bulimia have?
The medical complications that result from bulimia are generally due to continual bingeing and purging. The type of purging behavior used can have varied effects on different body systems. Self-induced vomiting can result in oral complications. Repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents can erode tooth enamel, increase dental cavities, and create a sensitivity to hot or cold food. Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (such as the parotid glands in the cheeks) from repeated vomiting can also be a concern. The esophagus and the colon are the areas most affected by bulimic behaviors. Repeated vomiting can result in ulcers, ruptures, or strictures of the esophagus. Acid that backs up from the stomach (reflux) can also become a problem. As with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders, irregular menstrual periods or amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual periods) may result from malnutrition or weight fluctuations associated with bulimia. There are a number of intestinal and syst
