Question

Which of the following health problems may occur in people with bulimia nervosa who use self-induced vomiting to purge excess calories?

Check All That Apply

Heart rate disturbances

Heart rate disturbances
Muscle wasting and weaknessMuscle wasting and weakness

Damaged walls of the esophagus

Damaged walls of the esophagus

Swelling of salivary glands

Swelling of salivary glands
Cold intoleranceCold intolerance

Demineralization of teeth

Demineralization of teeth

Answer 1

People with bulimia nervosa who use self-induced vomiting to purge excess calories may experience the following health problems:

- **Heart rate disturbances**: Yes, electrolyte imbalances caused by frequent vomiting can lead to heart rate issues.

- **Damaged walls of the esophagus**: Yes, repeated vomiting can cause inflammation and damage to the esophagus.

- **Swelling of salivary glands**: Yes, frequent vomiting can lead to swollen salivary glands, a condition known as sialadenosis.

- **Demineralization of teeth**: Yes, exposure to stomach acid from vomiting can lead to erosion and demineralization of teeth.

Muscle wasting and weakness and cold intolerance can be associated with general malnutrition or other factors but are not specifically direct effects of self-induced vomiting. Therefore, they are not typically primary concerns directly related to bulimia nervosa and self-induced vomiting.

In summary, the following problems should be checked:

- Heart rate disturbances
- Damaged walls of the esophagus
- Swelling of salivary glands
- Demineralization of teeth