| Electrolyte disturbance: -The most dangerous consequence of self-induced vomiting, laxative, enema, and diuretic abuse. -Involves the depletion of potassium, chloride, and sodium, which are essential for metabolism and nerve and muscle cells. -Can lead to alkaline intoxication, weakness, tiredness, constipation, depression, cardiac arrhythmias, and sudden death. |
Cardiac irregularities: -Cardiac abnormalities occur in 87% of Anorexia Nervosa patients. -Cardiac abnormalities include: 1.Bradycardia (heart beats less than 60 beats per minute) 2.Tachycardia 3.Hypotension 4.Ventricular arrhythmias 5.Cardiac failure -Cardiac abnormalities appear to result from starvation and electrolyte disturbance. -Repeated use of ipecac (emetic used to induce vomiting) is particularly dangerous because it is fatal |
| Kidney Dysfunction: -Up to 70% of patients with Anorexia Nervosa suffer from kidney dysfunction. -Can include electrolyte abnormalities and edema. -Kidney damage and failure have also been reported. -Kidney dysfunction results from dehydration and starvation. |
Cerebral Atrophy: -More than 50% of patients with Anorexia Nervosa have abnormal brain scans. -Appears to result from caloric deprivation, but seems to reverse with re-nourishment. |
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Swollen Salivary Glands: -Facial swelling and swollen salivary glands occur with repeated binge eating and vomiting. -Salivary glands normalize with renutrition and discontinuation of vomiting. |
Gastrointestinal Disturbances: -Repeated vomiting can lead to the development of spontaneous regurgitation of food,tearing of the tissue of the mouth and throat,and choking. -Food restriction can lead to delayed gastric emptying leading to bloating (this normalizes with renutrition). -Disturbances in small intestines, liver and pancreas have also been reported. -Repeated laxative use can lead to dependence of laxatives for normal bowel functioning. |
| Dental Deterioration: -Repeated vomiting can lead to dental erosion, leading to cavities and periodontal disease. -Teeth can turn brown or gray. -Dental deterioration can lead to the removal of teeth. |
Finger Clubbing or Swelling: -Chronic laxative abuse can lead to finger clubbing or swelling,but this reverses with cessation of laxative abuse. |
| Edema and Dehydration: -Caused by dieting,vomiting and laxative or diuretic abuse. -Dehydration leads to increased thirst and urinary output. -Edema leads to swelling or puffiness in fingers,ankles,and faces. -Edema is often worst once chronic vomiting and laxative abuse has stopped and people can gain 5-10 pounds of water,but eventually this normalizes and the weight is restored. |
Bone Abnormalities: -Severe food restriction leads to Osteoporosis (vulnerability to fractures) and stunting of growth. -The degree and duration that a person is underweight is strongly related to Osteoporosis.The longer a person is underweight,and the more he/she is underweight, the greater the risk and severity of Osteoporosis |