Trabajo de alumnos del INSTITUTO SUMMA en la materia INGLÉS.

1. Bulimia

2. Bulimia is an illness in which a person binges on food or has
regular episodes of overeating and feels a loss of control.
The person then uses different methods -- such as vomiting
or abusing laxatives -- to prevent weight gain.
People with bulimia are often at a normal weight, but they
may see themselves as being overweight. Because the
person's weight is often normal, other people may not
notice this eating disorder.

3. Causes:
Many more women than men have bulimia. The disorder is
most common in adolescent girls and young women. The
affected person is usually aware that her eating pattern is
abnormal and may feel fear or guilt with the binge-purge
episodes.
The exact cause of bulimia is unknown. Genetic,
psychological, trauma, family, society, or cultural factors
may play a role. There is more than one factor.

4. Symptoms:
People with bulimia often eat large amounts of high-calorie
foods, usually in secret. People can feel a lack of control
over their eating during these episodes.
Binges lead to self-disgust, which causes purging to prevent
weight gain. Purging may include:
 Forcing yourself to vomit
 Excessive exercise
 Using laxatives, enemas, or diuretics
Purging often brings a sense of relief.

5. Exams and Tests:
A dental exam may show cavities or gum infections (such
as gingivitis). The enamel of the teeth may be worn away or
pitted because of too much exposure to the acid in vomit.
A physical exam may also show:
• Broken blood vessels in the eyes (from the strain of
vomiting)
• Dry mouth
• Rashes and pimples
• Small cuts and calluses across the tops of the finger joints
from forcing oneself to vomit
Blood tests may show hypokalemia or dehydration.

6. Treatment:
• Support groups are helpful for patients who do not have
any health problems.
• Psychological therapy (PT) and nutritional therapy are
the first treatments for bulimia that does not respond to
support groups.
• Antidepressants are often used for bulimia. A
combination of PT and antidepressants is very effective if
PT does not work alone.
Before a program begins, you should know that:
• They probably need to try many different therapies.
• It is common for bulimia to return.
• The process is painful, and you and your family will need
to work hard.

7. Possible complications:
Bulimia can be dangerous. It may lead to serious medical
complications over time. For example, vomiting over and
over again can damage the esophagus.
Possible complications include:
• Constipation
• Dehydration
• Dental cavities
• Hemorrohoids
• Pancreatitis