Serum amylase determination may help to diagnose and monitor bulimia nervosa. An elevated amylase level may suggest that a patient has been vomiting. In some cases, it will be necessary to rule out an organic cause of elevated amylase levels or vomiting, such as pancreatitis.
A variety of laboratory tests and bloodwork may be needed to determine the correct eating disorder diagnosis and assess the appropriate level of care for an affected individual. The laboratory tests will evaluate the following types of factors: Blood sugar levels.
Endocrine studies in patients with bulimia nervosa may exhibit the following abnormal findings: Decreased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), leuteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol levels. Prolactin levels: Studies have documented both increased and decreased basal serum prolactin in association with bulimia nervosa.
Bulimia jaw is a term for a number of symptoms that can result from the purging aspect of bulimia nervosa (BN). It can refer to swelling, intense pain, and a misalignment of the jaw, and sometimes require surgery to correct. Further Reading. Bulimia Jaw: Pain and Swelling.
When a person has been engaging in self-induced vomiting regularly and they suddenly stop engaging in the behaviour, their salivary glands in front of their ears (cheeks) may begin to swell. This makes their cheeks look swollen.
Bulimia can permanently damage your stomach and intestines, causing other problems like constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. Hormonal problems. Reproductive issues, including irregular periods, missed periods, and fertility problems are common side effects when you have bulimia.
Potassium. Low potassium level, or hypokalemia, is the most serious consequence of bulimia because it causes heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), cardiomyopathy (weakening heart), muscle weakness that can border on paralysis, and tetany (involuntary muscle contractions)2.
low self-esteem or feeling worthless. perfectionism. fear of being inadequate. fear of rejection.
Your provider may order a prealbumin test to help diagnose and monitor problems with your nutritional health. You may also need this test before surgery or if you have symptoms of malnutrition, such as: Weight loss.
If you have cause to suspect an eating disorder within yourself or believe a loved one is struggling, don't waste time. While you can't diagnose an eating disorder, you can be perceptive of the signs and make appropriate judgment calls of when it's time to get someone professionally and medically involved.
Erosion can drastically change the color, size and shape of your teeth. Excessive tooth erosion is one way your dentist could tell if a patient may be bulimic. Frequent vomiting can lead to sensitive teeth, dry mouth and red, cracked lips. All signs that your dentist is trained to recognize as side effects of bulimia.
If left untreated, bulimia can result in long-term health problems such as abnormal heart rhythms, bleeding from the esophagus due to excessive reflux of stomach acid, dental problems, and kidney problems.
Eating disorders are diagnosed based on signs, symptoms and eating habits. If your doctor suspects you have an eating disorder, he or she will likely perform an exam and request tests to help pinpoint a diagnosis. You may see both your primary care provider and a mental health professional for a diagnosis.
B Vitamins
These vitamins are also important in preventing depression. The B vitamins that are most important to appetite control include vitamin B6, vitamin B12, inositol, and folate. They can be taken as individual supplements or, in many cases, taken together in the form of a B complex.
Treating Bulimia
Damage to the esophagus can be treated. However, full healing is not possible until the bulimic stops vomiting. Ulcers can be treated with medications, including antibiotics. Surgery can usually repair esophageal ruptures.
FACT: Research has shown that vomiting cannot get rid of all the calories ingested, even when done immediately after eating. A vomit can only remove up to about half of the calories eaten - which means that, realistically, between half to two thirds of what is eaten is absorbed by the body.
If treated swiftly and correctly, individuals are able to experience recovery and healing, along with the reversal of most, but not all, of the physical consequences. However, without professional treatment, bulimia nervosa may be life-threatening.
Recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating unusually large quantities of food in a short period of time with feelings of loss of control) followed by inappropriate weight compensatory behaviors (including self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic misuse, and excessive exercise) at least once-weekly during the past ...
In rare cases, patients with bulimia might have broken blood vessels in the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage) related to repeated episodes of forceful vomiting. When purging, there is an acute increase in pressure in the eye that can cause the blood vessels to rupture, causing the white of the eye to appear bright red.
Unusual behavior around meals: Consistently disappearing following a meal, especially to the bathroom, can be a sign indicative of bulimia. The same can be said for finding open wrappers or stashes of food in unusual places; for instance, opened packs of candy bars underneath one's bed or in their closet.
Bulimia can eventually lead to physical problems associated with not getting the right nutrients, vomiting a lot, or overusing laxatives. Possible complications include: feeling tired and weak. dental problems – stomach acid from persistent vomiting can damage tooth enamel.