Because patients with bulimia typically induce vomiting multiple times a day, they are forced to produce excess amounts of saliva which causes their parotid salivary glands to become over-stimulated.
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What is the cause of enlarged parotid glands in clients with eating disorders?
Enlargement of the salivary glands can occur in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). This enlargement appears to be related to both the nutritional deficiencies and the bizarre eating habits (particularly the bulimia and vomiting) characteristic of these patients.
What are 3 complications of bulimia?
Possible complications include: Negative self-esteem and problems with relationships and social functioning. Dehydration, which can lead to major medical problems, such as kidney failure. Heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or heart failure. Severe tooth decay and gum disease.
Does bulimia cause swollen salivary glands?
Swelling in the lymph nodes and salivary glands in the face/neck area is definitely one of the side effects of continual binging and purging associated with bulimia.
What are common medical complications associated with bulimia nervosa?
- Throat and stomach ulcers.
- Tooth decay and cavities.
- Esophagus inflammation (esophagitis) and tears.
- Damage to your intestines and stomach damage.
- Electrolyte imbalance.
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
- Heart failure.
- Increased risk of suicide.
Does bulimia cause parotid gland enlargement?
Caused by the enlargement of the parotid glands (one of the salivary glands), the medical term for this phenomenon is sialadenosis. It is estimated between 10-66% of bulimia patients may develop parotid gland enlargement, depending on the number of daily self-induced vomiting episodes.
What organs does bulimia damage?
Bulimia can permanently damage your stomach and intestines, causing other problems like constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. Hormonal problems. Reproductive issues, including irregular periods, missed periods, and fertility problems are common side effects when you have bulimia.
What is the most serious medical consequence of bulimia?
Those with bulimia are at heightened risk for dehydration because water volume can drop so quickly during a purging episode. If too much water is purged from the body, it can result in serious medical complications including hypovolemic (low blood volume) shock, seizures and kidney or heart failure.
What is the most serious consequence of bulimia?
Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure and death. Electrolyte imbalance is caused by dehydration and loss of potassium, sodium and chloride from the body as a result of purging behaviors.
How long does it take for parotid swelling to go down?
The outlook for people with parotitis is typically good with treatment. The condition usually lasts about seven to 10 days. Even without treatment, most people fully recover without complications.
How do you deswell parotid glands?

How do you reduce parotid gland swelling?
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water rinses (one half teaspoon or 3 grams of salt in 1 cup or 240 milliliters of water) to ease pain and keep the mouth moist. To speed up healing, stop smoking if you are a smoker. Drink lots of water and use sugar-free lemon drops to increase the flow of saliva and reduce swelling.
What are 3 physiological changes that occur with bulimia nervosa?
Physiological effects of bulimia nervosa on the gastrointestinal tract include dental caries and enamel erosion; enlargement of the parotid gland; esophagitis; changes in gastric capacity and gastric emptying; gastric necrosis; and alterations of the intestinal mucosa.
What are 3 warning signs of bulimia?
- Episodes of binge eating.
- Self-induced vomiting.
- Smelling like vomit.
- Misuse of laxatives and diuretics.
- Complaining about body image.
- Expressing guilt or shame about eating.
- Depression.
- Irritability.
Which medical condition is more common in people with bulimia?
People with bulimia are more likely to come from families with a history of eating disorders, physical illness, and other mental health problems. Other illnesses, such as substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders are common in people with bulimia.
What happens if the parotid gland is damaged?
If the salivary glands are damaged or aren’t producing enough saliva it can affect taste, make chewing and swallowing more difficult, and increase the risk for cavities, tooth loss, and infections in the mouth.
What is the most common cause of parotid swelling?
Parotitis is a painful swelling of your parotid glands, which are salivary glands located between the ear and jaw. The most common cause is a virus, such as mumps, herpes, or Epstein-Barr. Bacterial infections, diabetes, tumours or stones in the saliva glands, and tooth problems also may cause parotitis.
Why does my parotid gland hurt after eating?
Generally, your gland starts to make saliva during a meal. But because of a blockage, the saliva might start to back up into the parotid gland. This can cause pain and swelling. Sometimes the gland and duct can become infected as a result.
What causes parotid gland hypertrophy?
Sialadenosis is defined as a bilateral, persistent, painless, non-inflammatory swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotids. The causes include diabetes mellitus, endocrinopathy (hypothyroidism), starvation, medications (thiourea, diuretics), alcohol abuse and heavy metals.
What causes parotid gland lump?
Causes of Salivary Gland Tumors The cause of most salivary gland tumors is currently unknown, but genetic research is being conducted to uncover it. In some cases, skin cancer can spread to the parotid gland. Smoking is also known to cause one type of benign tumor, Warthin’s.
What causes parotid duct obstruction?
Parotid duct obstruction is most often caused by salivary gland stones. These are tiny stones made of calcium and other minerals. You’re more likely to have salivary gland stones if you: Have an infection in the parotid gland.
How many years does bulimia take off your life?
ยฒ Roughly 50% of women will recover from bulimia within ten years of their diagnosis, but an estimated 30% of these women will experience a relapse of the disorder. ยณ These behaviors can wreak havoc on the body both in the short-term and the long-term.
What permanent damage does bulimia cause?
Other long-term consequences of bulimia include damage to the kidneys, increased risk of kidney stones and kidney failure, diabetes, high cholesterol, hormonal imbalances, fertility problems, chronic dehydration, chronic fatigue, and electrolyte imbalances.
Can you reverse damage from bulimia?
If treated swiftly and correctly, individuals are able to experience recovery and healing, along with the reversal of most, but not all, of the physical consequences. However, without professional treatment, bulimia nervosa may be life-threatening.
What are two long term effects of bulimia?
- Sever dehydration.
- Tooth decay & cavities.
- Irregular periods.
- Constipation.
- Boating.
- Acid reflux.
- Stomach ulcers.
- Kidney issues.