Dental abnormalities, such as sensitive teeth, dental decay and gum disease occur from the frequent vomiting. This is due to the high acid content of vomit, it eats away at the tooth enamel and sometimes teeth are lost as a result. Use of laxatives changes normal bowel patterns. Diuretics can throw off a person's acid-base balance. Self-induced vomiting can lead to swelling of salivary glands, electrolyte and mineral disturbances, and enamel erosion in teeth.
Laxative abuse can lead to long lasting disruptions of normal bowel functioning.
Complications such as tearing the esophagus, rupturing the stomach, and developing life-threatening irregularities of the heart rhythm may also result. The treatment requires a team of experienced clinicians. The primary goal of therapy for this syndrome is to establish a regular healthful eating pattern. Unlike those who suffer with anorexia nervosa, the person with bulimia is upset by the behaviors they are exhibiting and by the and thoughts that they experience. This makes them more likely to accept help for their disorder.