Bulimia nervosa, also know as just plain bulimia, is an eating disorder in which an individual binges on an excessive amount of food at one time, and then purges the food in order to prevent weight gain. Purging is done by either vomiting, using laxatives or ipecac syrup, or excessive exercising. While individuals with eating disorders typically try to hide their behavior, there are some warning signs to look for.
Swollen Glands
Individuals with bulimia will often have swollen glands or puffy and swollen cheeks from repeated vomiting. Along with this feature, there may also be light bruising around the eyes, broken blood vessels in the eyes, and scrapes or calluses on the individual's knuckles from repeatedly shoving them down the throat in order to purge.
Tooth Problems
Due to the acid in vomit, repeated purging damages the teeth. A person with bulimia may have somewhat translucent teeth due to the erosion of enamel. Gum disease, general dental problems, and tooth decay may all be seen in individuals suffering from bulimia.
During/After Meal Behavior
A person with bulimia may make repeated trips to the bathroom during a meal to purge her food, eat an excessively large amount of food at one time, hoard food (for the purpose of eating later), or shower after a meal (to hide the sound of vomiting). If the individual uses exercise in order to purge, the person may exercise vigorously before or after eating to burn calories.
Bowel/Urinary Habits
An individual with bulimia may abuse diuretics or laxatives in order to lose weight. This may lead to constipation or incontinence. Syrup of ipecac may also be used to induce vomiting.
Mood Disturbances
Depression, anxiety, promiscuous behavior or isolation can all be behavioral and mood symptoms that go along with bulimia. This eating disorder can cause changes in a person's mood, and cause them to not "act like themselves."
