Oesophagus Problems for Bulimics

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterised by binging eating large amounts of food in one sitting, followed by purging, disposing of this food either by vomiting or taking laxatives. This binging and purging becomes a cycle and tends to occur several times per week. Serious health risks are associated with bulimia, including problems with the oesophagus due to repeated vomiting. If left unchecked, these problems can become life threatening and have been known to lead to death.

Irritation of the Oesophagus

One of the health concerns associated with bulimia is a constant sore throat. This condition is a result of repetitive vomiting, though this may not be easily recognised if a bulimic purges in secret. When the oesophagus (throat) is repeatedly exposed to stomach acid and bile it becomes irritated and this causes raw areas and discomfort. Inflammation may occur as well which can make the throat and even face appear slightly swollen, especially if an infection has taken hold in the throat or mouth. Irritation to the oesophagus can also make swallowing painful, which means that a bulimic may therefore avoid fluids and run a further risk of dehydration.

Ulcers of the Oesophagus

Worse than an irritation of the oesophagus is an ulcer of the oesophagus, a condition which is also frequently associated with any bulimia involving vomiting as a means of purging. Often oesophageal ulcers are called peptic ulcers, and they result from the oesophagus being worn away by the acid present in vomit. Usually eating or drinking results in greater pain from ulcers of the oesophagus, though sometimes this discomfort is explained away as heart burn. Some ulcers of the oesophagus can even bleed and cause blood to enter the vomit or an individual’s faeces. Medical helps should be sought immediately if this becomes the case.

Rupture of the Oesophagus

Far worse than an irritation or ulcer of the oesophagus is a rupture or tear that is brought on by repeated vomiting. Often such a tear occurs at the mucous membrane that connects the oesophagus to the stomach and results in bright red blood being vomited. This kind of tear is called a Mallory-Weiss tear and can lead to death if it is not examined immediately. Any time blood is present in vomit or faeces, the individual must seek medical help immediately.

Treating Damage to the Oesophagus

Medical professionals can treat damage to the oesophagus that is associated with bulimia, but full healing will not occur until a bulimic is in recovery and has ceased to induce vomiting as a means of purging. Ulcers can be treated with medications including antibiotics, and sometimes surgery can repair ruptures of the oesophagus. Unfortunately, as long as an individual continues to vomit, these treatments lose their effectiveness and may cease to work at all, meaning that further ulcers and/or tears of the oesophagus can occur.

The binging and purging cycle that is associated with bulimia brings with it a number of health concerns, including damage to the oesophagus brought about by repeated vomiting. If left untreated, this damage can eventually lead to death. For further information on oesophagus problems and bulimia, contact a medical health professional or the Eating Disorders Association and/or National Centre for Eating Disorders.