Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating and engaging in inappropriate ways of counteracting the bingeing (using laxatives, for example) in order to prevent weight gain. The word "bulimia" is the Latin form of the Greek word bulimia, which means "extreme hunger." A binge is consuming a larger amount of food within a limited period of time than most people would eat in similar circumstances. Most people with bulimia report feelings of loss of control associated with bingeing, and some have mildly dissociative experiences in the course of a binge, which means that they feel disconnected from themselves and from reality when they binge. Causes Of Bulimia Nervosa
Erosion of tooth enamel because of repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents.
Dental cavities, sensitivity to hot or cold food.
Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (from repeated vomiting).
Culture. Women in the U.S. are under constant pressure to be very thin. This "ideal" is not realistic for most women. But seeing images of flawless, thin females everywhere can make it hard for women to feel good about their bodies. More and more, men are also feeling pressure to have a perfect body. Families. It is likely that bulimia runs in families. Many people with bulimia have sisters or mothers with bulimia. Parents who think looks are important, diet themselves, or judge their children's bodies are more likely to have a child with bulimia.
Sometimes, people put pressure on themselves, or the pressure might come from teachers, coaches, or parents. Media images are part of the problem. Women and men in movies are usually very thin, sending the message that only skinny people are beautiful.
Signs and symptoms When you have bulimia, you regularly engage in episodes of binge eating followed by attempts to prevent weight gain. A binge is considered eating a larger amount of food than most people would eat under similar situations.
Repeatedly eating large amounts of food in a short period of time (less than 2 hours). Frequently getting rid of the calories you've eaten (purging) by making yourself vomit, fasting, exercising too much, or misusing laxatives, diuretics, ipecac syrup, or enemas. Misuse of these medicines can lead to serious health problems and even death.
A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e.g., a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)
Treatment Of Bulimia Nervosa
Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is a general term for a way of treating bulimia by talking about your condition and related issues with a mental health provider. Psychotherapy is also known as therapy, talk therapy, counseling or psychosocial therapy.
Medications Some medications can be extremely helpful in treatment a person who suffers from bulimia. As always, the medication should be carefully monitored, especially since the patient may be vomiting or taking large amounts of laxatives, which may impact on the medication's use and effectiveness. A trusting and honest relationship must be established between the physician and the individual or mediation compliance will almost certainly become an issue.
Drug Therapy Drug therapy in the treatment of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa should be used in combination with psychotherapy and nutritional therapy.
Eating disorders can be classified into three types - anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and obesity. The first two deals with women who are extremely conscious with the way they look, hence trying to maintain a very light weight bordering on malnutrition. The last one is an uncontrollable compulsion for eating thus leading to a weight that is way above their ideal weight.
On one hand, anorexia nervosa is a condition wherein the person suffering from it is constantly afraid of gaining weight. On the other hand, one afflicted with bulimia nervosa has the tendency to go on a binge or consuming lots of food over a short period of time, then later on tries to purge herself so as to prevent putting on additional weight. Purging may be done in any of the following methods - throwing up or the use of pills such as laxatives so that digested food is right away expelled from the body.
Bulimia nervosa generally affects the female populace who is more conscious with their appearance. Normally, bulimics, or people suffering from bulimia nervosa, are teenagers or young women. Bingeing as well purging are done in secrecy, as they are ashamed and disgusted with their attitude of eating so much and then throwing it all up. In addition to purging, a bulimic usually follows a strict diet and exercise as a way to maintaining her ideal weight. Someone with bulimia nervosa is harder to detect than an anorexic since the former may have a normal weight or can be underweight or overweight while the latter is apparently underweight.
What triggers a person to suffer from bulimia nervosa cannot be pinpointed exactly as it is the result of a number of factors. This is an eating disorder that deals with food but is not all about the consumption of it. A young girl who lacks confidence in the way she looks has the tendency to be dissatisfied with her body thus she tries to do something about it. Though she enjoys eating a great amount of food, she feels guilty afterwards about her weight. This is the reason why she resorts to purging after every meal and running to the bathroom to do it. Becoming bulimic may also be tied to the family's health history such that it is not surprising to find a family where eating disorders are common among the members.
The occurrence of bulimia nervosa can be prevented and in case you are already suffering from it, you can be cured. Seeking medical attention should be your priority as the health professionals are in a better position to evaluate your condition. Your doctor will be able to evaluate you properly so that the necessary medications and therapies will be administered to you. You will probably have to take supplements in order to replenish your body with the necessary vitamins and minerals. The support as well as the encouragement of your family is very important as you may need someone to talk to about how you are feeling while suffering from this eating disorder. The road to recovery will be difficult as relapses may occur, but self-control and perseverance should play key roles in beating this disorder.
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