Hello, mozart7923-ga!
Sustained vomiting and gagging over a lengthy period of time is most
often associated with bulimia, which is characterized by continual
binging and purging (or vomiting). Although other medical conditions
can include repetitive vomiting over a period of time, anti-nausea
medication is often prescribed to help alleviate it's severity.
Therefore, most of the literature referring to the consequences of
sustained vomiting are in relation to the voluntary nature of such
activity as a characteristic of eating disorders.
Some of the most severe physical consequences of repetitive vomiting
have been excerpted from the article, "More Information on the
Physical Complications of Bulimia Nervosa." (Garner, 1997)
http://psychiatry.uchicago.edu/clinical/clinics/edp/bulimia.html
Electrolyte disturbance
=======================
"The most dangerous consequence of self-induced vomiting, laxative,
enema, and diuretic abuse. Involve the depletion of potassium,
chloride, and sodium, which are essential for metabolism and nerve and
muscle cells. Can lead to alkaline intoxication, weakness, tiredness,
constipation, depression, cardiac arrhythmias, and sudden death."
Cardiac irregularities
=======================
"Serious irregularities in heartbeat. Cardiac abnormalities appear to
result from electrolyte disturbance. Repeated use of ipecac (emetic
used to induce vomiting) is particularly. dangerous because it is
fatal and can lead to irreversible myocardial damage."
Gastrointestinal Disturbances
==============================
"Repeated vomiting can lead to the development of spontaneous
regurgitation. of food, tearing of the tissue of the mouth and throat,
and choking. Severe binge eating can result in abdominal discomfort.
Disturbances in small intestines, liver and pancreas have also been
reported. Repeated laxative use can lead to dependence of laxatives
for normal bowel functioning."
Edema and Dehydration
=======================
"Caused by vomiting and laxative or diuretic abuse. Dehydration leads
to increased thirst and urinary output. Edema leads to swelling or
puffiness in fingers, ankles, and faces. Edema is often worst once
vomiting and laxative abuse has stopped and people can gain 5-10
pounds of water, but eventually this normalizes and the weight is
restored."
Menstrual Irregularities
=========================
"50% of patients with Bulimia Nervosa have menstrual irregularities
and loss of menstrual periods."
==
Consequences of repeated vomiting during bulimia may also be found in
the following article - "Consequences of Bulimia. (Provided by
PDR.net) http://health.yahoo.com/health/centers/women/00018581
* "Upset of the body's fluid/mineral balance, possibly causing rapid or
irregular heartbeats or even a heart attack"
* "Broken blood vessels in the face and bags under the eyes"
* "Dehydration, fainting spells, tremors, and blurred vision"
* "Indigestion, cramps, abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, and constipation"
* "Internal bleeding and infections"
* "Laxative dependency and damage to the bowels"
* "Liver and kidney damage"
* "Loss of tooth enamel from repeated vomiting"
* "Suicidal depression"
* "Swollen glands in the neck under the jaw"
* "Weight fluctuations from alternating diets and binges"
* "Rupture of the esophagus (upper gastric tract)"
==
From "Introducing Bulimia Nervosa," by Dr Peter Rowan MBBS. MRCPsych.
Priory Hospital. http://www.priory-hospital.co.uk/htm/bulimi.htm
"Repeated vomiting causes a loss of stomach contents and because this
includes the acid secretions that are needed for digestion it leads to
changes of body chemistry. Laxative abuse causes similar distortion of
chemistry and the two behaviours together are most likely to be
dangerous. Major disturbance of the blood chemistry, particularly loss
of potassium, and rupture of the stomach are occasional causes of
sudden death but fortunately this is rare unless the behaviour is
extreme. Acid from the stomach constantly washing over the teeth
dissolves the enamel which will cause lasting damage particularly to
the four central upper teeth. Irregularity of the menstrual cycle is
common and sometimes it stops altogether. There is an association of
ovarian cysts with the illness that is likely to reduce fertility but
most are able to conceive normally once they are recovered."
==
More from "Eating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia." ADAM Healthcare
http://adam.about.com/reports/000049_3.htm
"The following are medical problems directly associated with bulimic
behavior, including self-induced vomiting and laxative abuse:
* "Teeth erosion, cavities, and gum problems."
* "Water retention, swelling, and abdominal bloating."
* "Occasionally, fluid loss with low potassium levels. This occurs from
excessive vomiting or laxative use. In severe cases it can cause extreme
weakness, near paralysis, or lethal heart rhythms."
* "Acute stomach distress."
* "Problems in swallowing. This is an area of possible concern because of
repetitive assaults on the esophagus (the food pipe) from forced
vomiting.It is not clear, however, if this problem is common."
* "Rupture of the esophagus, or food pipe. (Cases have been reported with
forced vomiting but are not common.)"
* "Weakened rectal walls. In rare cases, walls may weaken to the extent that
they protrude through the anus. This is a serious condition that requires
surgery."
* "Irregular periods. (It should be noted that menstrual irregularities in
patients with bulimia do not have the serious effects, particularly bone
loss, as they do in patients with anorexia.)"
==
I hope this information helps to shed some light on the potentially
deadly consequences of repetitive vomiting. If I can clarify anything
further for you, please don't hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
umiat
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