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Symptoms
Behavioral symptoms include:
- Eating unusually large amounts of food at one time
- Feeling like eating is out of control
- Making yourself throw up
- Taking laxatives, enemas, water pills, or diet pills
- Excessive exercising
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Trouble controlling impulses
- Alcohol or drug abuse
Physical symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Menstrual problems
- Swollen cheeks and jaw
- Sore throat
- Swollen salivary glands
- Bloating
- Stained or chipped teeth, due to contact with stomach acid
- Cuts or scars on back of hands, from scraping skin on teeth during forced vomiting
Bulimia may lead to other problems, including:
- Dental and throat problems from stomach acid that rises during vomiting
- Changes in body chemistry and fluids due to vomiting and abuse of laxatives or water pills
Symptoms of these complications include:
- Dizziness
- Feeling faint
- Thirst
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Constipation
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart problems, including sudden death
People with bulimia have a high incidence of personality disorder and of treatable psychiatric conditions, including:
- Depression, often with rapid and wide swings in mood
- Anxiety and panic disorder
- Drug and alcohol abuse or dependence
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about:
- Your medical and psychological history
- The amount of food you eat
- The ways you to try to rid your body of food
The doctor will also perform a physical exam. They will check your teeth for signs of erosion.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests—to look for chemical imbalances
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)—to look for heart problems due to purging
- Drug screening—to check for drug use
EKG
Bulimia can lead to severe heart problems.
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
A mental health professional may also perform a psychiatric exam and/or psychological tests.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2025 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.