Symptoms of Bulimia and How To Diagnosis It
Persons experiencing bulimia may exhibit specific symptoms or warning signs of the disease. These are signs that are often noticed outwardly by family members and friends of someone who is struggling with bulimia; however, the symptoms may not seem initially linked to an eating disorder. Bulimia truly affects all areas of a person's life. Though it primarily affects adolescent women, there is growing evidence that young boys are increasingly at risk as well.
Bulimia is a type of self-purging. Physical symptoms are typically the result of malnutrition, as the body is forced to conserve its resources in an effort to survive, and from damage of the esophagus due to stomach acid . These symptoms can be extremely serious if left untreated. They can also be symptoms of other medical conditions so it is important to be assessed by a physician to determine a correct diagnosis and seek treatment. Only a medical professional can diagnose bulimia.
Prominent symptoms include:
- Stomach achs and pains
- Dry and thinning hair
- Lightheadedness or loss of balance, especially fainting
- Chronic sore throat
- Tooth erosion
- Extreme weight loss
- Muscle loss and weakness
- Strange eating habits or food rituals
Symptoms of depression may be prominent as well as withdrawal from friends and family.
