What are the serious complications of bulimia and anorexia?
Complications due to induced vomiting are:
* Thickening glandular (neck area).
* Caries, erosion of tooth root, tooth loss.
* Tearing of the esophagus.
* Chronic esophagitis.
* Chronic inflammation of the throat, difficulty swallowing.
* Stomach cramps.
* Digestive problems.
* Anemia.
* Disturbance of electrolyte balance.
* Gastrointestinal problems and hypokalemia (low blood potassium).
What should do and what not, the relatives and friends of those affected to help?
What you should do:
* Love your child as he loves himself. (Love will make you feel important).
* Help your child find their own values and ideals. (In most cases, the ideals are not achieved as easily).
* Do you need to encourage their initiative, independence and self esteem. (Note that anorexics and bulimics are perfectionists and never are satisfied with themselves. This further justifies their dissatisfaction).
* Be careful with the duration of the illness of his child or friend. (Anorexics and bulimics improve. Some in short time, very few die, but sometimes there are cases that require many months and sometimes years of treatment.)
* Manage your anxiety.
* Help your child or friend for you to understand that life is as important as his.
* Detect as soon as possible the symptoms of anorexia and bulimia.
* If you look suspicious attitudes, not conceal them but to inform parents about them.
* For any doubt consult a specialist in eating disorders.