Bulimia is a serious eating disorder that affects men and women in all age groups but primarily adolescents and young adults. Someone diagnosed with this disease often has danger signs that others can see. Cases of bulimia that are left untreated can cause serious health problems---even death. Knowing what to look for will help with identifying bulimia and getting help and treatment for the disease.
Vomiting
One danger sign that someone may be suffering from bulimia is frequent bouts of vomiting. A signal may include an episode of binge eating. Eating more than usual at a serving or sitting is a sign. The sufferer may begin to stuff food into the mouth quickly without even trying to taste the food. This is usually done quickly until the suffer feels sick and has the need to vomit. Making frequent trips to the bathroom to vomit is a serious sign something is wrong.
Fatigue
One visible sign that may be observed by others is increased fatigue and weakness. This could be due to the drastic measures taken to prevent food and nutrients from remaining in the body. Weakness can also be a sign of body exhaustion due to lack of energy and stamina. This is a serious stage of the disease and could be a signal that the body may soon be getting ready to shut down. In some cases heartbeat irregularities may occur and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
Tooth Erosion
Having visible signs of tooth decay and erosion could be another danger sign of bulimia. This is likely caused from excessive vomiting, where the acid reaches the mouth area and destroys the enamel on the teeth. This can further spread to the gums and infect an entire mouthful of teeth at the root area---resulting in an immediate need for dental care and assistance.
Dry Skin and Hair
Looking at a bulimia sufferer may be a good indication to what her overall health situation is like. Having excessively dry hair, nails and skin could be an indication the bulimic is severely dehydrated. Even if the bulimic is drinking water or diet soda, the excessive vomiting several times a day along with the use of laxatives in some cases can lead to the body becoming severely dehydrated.
Behavioral Problems
Some bulimics display danger signs of their disease in their behavior. Examples may include being preoccupied or obsessed with weight, not being able to control eating habits, hoarding food, constantly exercising and poor self-image. Misuse or excessive use of laxatives, diet pills and enemas could also be a sign. Some bulimics are also depressed and may be faced with anxiety attacks that are debilitating to their overall health.
