The swelling of the face, which is called “bulimia face,” is a familiar symptom in people with bulimia nervosa who vomit on purpose. The main cause of this growth is the parotid glands getting bigger. These are the big salivary glands that are on both sides of the face. The puffiness in your cheeks is usually due to frequent vomiting, and it can leave you feeling physically and emotionally drained.
Let’s look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments that can help you manage and reduce bulimia face swelling.
What is Bulimia Face Swelling?
Bulimia face swelling is swollen cheeks and a puffy face. It affects about 80% of people with bulimia nervosa.
It’s caused by self-induced vomiting, which is a common symptom of bulimia.
In this way, swollen glands and puffy face can be very depressing, and it’s just one of the many problems people with this eating disorder face.
Causes of Bulimia Face Swelling
The primary cause of bulimia face swelling is self-induced vomiting, which leads to salivary gland enlargement.
Self-induced vomiting causes both the parotid and submandibular glands to become overstimulated, leading to what is commonly referred to as “bulimia cheeks.”
Key points include:
- Self-Induced Vomiting: This is the leading cause of salivary gland swelling.
- Gland Overstimulation: Frequent vomiting causes these glands, particularly the parotid glands, which are located between your cheekbones and ears, to become enlarged.
Symptoms
Swollen cheeks and facial puffiness are the most obvious symptoms of bulimia-related swelling. These symptoms affect not only your appearance but also your self-esteem.
Common symptoms include:
- Facial Swelling: This is the most obvious symptom. The inflammation in your cheeks is a result of the overstimulated salivary glands caused by self-induced vomiting.
- Puffy Appearance: Your facial shape may change slightly, which can be very depressing.
Is Bulimia Face Swelling Reversible?
Yes! Bulimia face swelling is reversible. If you stop purging, you can reverse face swelling. The salivary glands will return to their normal size once you stop these harmful behaviors.
The American Journal of Psychiatry published a study that said the parotid gland may get bigger in 50 to 75% of people with bulimia nervosa.
It’s possible to see the growth after 6 to 12 months of cleaning.
Physical & Long-Term Effects of Bulimia on the Body
Bulimia nervosa affects more than just your face. The physical symptoms are numerous and can lead to severe chronic health problems.
From dental problems and gastrointestinal disturbances to cardiovascular and bone health problems, the effects of bulimia are far-reaching.
1. Dental Problems from Bulimia
Frequent vomiting, a common symptom of bulimia, exposes your teeth to stomach acid with a pH level of 2.7.
This exposure can wear away tooth enamel and cause dental caries. Over time, these actions can cause significant dental problems, and they can cause irreversible damage to your teeth and gums.
2. Gastrointestinal Problems
As you can see, bulimia affects normal gastrointestinal function, and it can cause problems like delayed gastric emptying, which can cause discomfort and bloating after meals. You must address these gastrointestinal problems to enhance the quality of life for people with bulimia.
You can restore normal digestion and alleviate the symptoms of this eating disorder with effective treatment.
3. Heart and Bone Health
Bulimia affects your heart and bone health. Vital organs, such as the heart, can suffer severe damage from electrolyte imbalances caused by purging behaviors, and it can cause serious cardiovascular problems.
Moreover, bulimia can also cause low bone density, which can increase the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
4. Permanent Damage Risks
The long-term effects of bulimia are far-reaching, and they affect emotional, mental, and physical health.
Prolonged symptoms can cause chronic problems, including digestive disruptions, oral decay, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances all of which are caused by frequent purging.
In some situations, continuing bulimic behaviors can cause permanent damage and serious health problems. Purging causes rapid shifts in electrolytes, which can cause neurological damage or be fatal. Frequent vomiting can also cause esophageal problems, such as hemorrhaging and ulcers.
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can cause long-term cardiac problems and low bone density.
5. Emotional and Mental Health Impact
Bulimia can have a significant impact on emotional and mental health, and it can cause chaos and a lack of control. Early detection of warning signs can improve recovery.
Read More: Top Solutions If Your Invisalign Not Tracking Properly
Treatment Options
To effectively treat bulimia face swelling, you must address both the swelling itself and the underlying eating disorder.
1. Stopping Purging Behaviors
To reduce cheek swelling from bulimia, you must stop all purging behaviors. Noticeable swelling reduction can occur within days of stopping these actions, and during this recovery phase, support from family and friends is important.
2. Medical and Surgical Interventions
In severe cases, facial swelling may require medical or surgical interventions. Pilocarpine can help manage swollen salivary glands, and in rare cases, a parotidectomy may be necessary.
You must seek medical help early, so don’t hesitate.
3. Approaches
A complete treatment plan that includes regular therapy meetings and strong support networks is best for getting better from bulimia and lowering the risk of relapse.
This all-around method uses therapy and support groups to work on both mental and physical health, and it stresses how important it is to deal with both.
Bulimia-Related Health Issues
Prompt action can prevent long-term damage, and mental health support, dietary education, and changes to daily habits are important for complete recovery.
You must collaborate with a team of professionals to reduce long-term effects.
Early Intervention
You must identify the initial signs of bulimia, such as changes in eating habits and emotional responses, to intervene early. Acting quickly can make the recovery process easier.
Long-Term Recovery
Stopping purging behaviors is important for achieving long-term recovery from bulimia. Consistent treatment and support from friends and family are important for this process.
Wrap Up
With all of this in mind, Bulimia can cause face swelling, which is a common side effect of self-induced vomiting. Fortunately, this can be reversed with proper treatment.
But that’s not all. Bulimia can also cause serious damage to your body that you may not be aware of. Severe dental problems, gastrointestinal issues, and heart and bone problems are just a few of the serious side effects. In fact, research shows that nearly 90% of people with bulimia experience dental erosion
Thus, early intervention is important. Stopping purging behaviors and seeking support is the first step towards long-term recovery.
References:
- Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). The Prevalence and Correlates of Eating Disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication.
- Archives of General Psychiatry.Vannuccini, S., et al. (2014). Salivary Gland Dysfunction in Patients with Eating Disorders.
- International Journal of Eating Disorders.Smink, F. R., van Hoeken, D., & Hoek, H. W. (2012). Epidemiology of Eating Disorders: Incidence, Prevalence and Mortality Rates. Current Psychiatry Reports.
