Signs Of Bulimia
The Not So Obvious Signs Of Bulimia
There are many signs of bulimia which are not as obvious as the stark loss of weight depicted on movies and after school specials. Skin discoloration takes place within as early as one week from the onset of the binge and purge reflex. The act of inducing vomit is nearly never intended to end up as bulimia. Most often, a stressful event or a crash out of a restrictive diet will trigger a binge eating session. Shortly thereafter, a feeling of guilt or panic will cause the victim-in-waiting to induce vomiting. With this action comes an instant release of the natural, feel good chemical within our bodies, called endorphins. This blissful rush is heightened in those who are experiencing emotional or psychological issues, and the beginning of bulimia is staring them right in the face.
The next signs of bulimia can be tough to call, as most new endorphin addicts will still eat with their families and friends, only to purge during the meal and/or shortly thereafter. This disease is very easy to hide in the beginning, until the weight loss and faintness begin to take shape for those around the victim. As the disease progresses, the stricken one will eventually cut down to one meal per day, either public or private, but will purge an empty stomach throughout the day for the prized endorphin release.
The emotional signs of bulimia often resemble those of severe depression at some point, as the physical ailments and absolute exhaustion will take their inevitable toll even on the most joyful minded person. The devastation of malnutrition simply can not be hidden. Dehydration has key telling points, including the pallet of the skin on the fingers and under the eyes. Some bulimics may be able to hide their pain a bit longer than others, by mastering the art of eating a small provision directly after a purge, and letting the nutrients absorb before purging again. Eventually, the stimulus of having something in the stomach to expel will be become too strong, and they will show heightened signs of the disease as well.
Fainting, loss of consciousness, and possible heart failure do to arrhythmia will be next on the symptom list should the victim suffer on without help. Tooth decay, loss of irreplaceable tooth enamel, and gum disease accompanied by painful swelling are some advanced signs of bulimia as well. Eventually, the bulimic purging will produce tears in the esophagus, introducing blood with each reflex. An increased risk of attempted suicide is often present with advanced cases of bulimia nervosa, even more so during treatment as they attempt to kick this addiction, considered to grab hold as tightly as heroine might.