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Bulimia Nervosa is an enigmatic disease that affects millions of people. In fact, the June 2008 publication of the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine revealed that ten percent of adolescent girls and three percent of teenaged boys suffer from symptoms of bulimia. Unlike many illnesses, bulimia is cunning; it is usually difficult to spot a person who may be suffering from bulimia, and because it is often coated in denial, coping with it can be challenging. However, help is available. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the treatments for bulimia are the first steps towards overcoming this condition.

Symptoms of Bulimia

With many diseases, the symptoms are crystal clear. However, while the symptoms of bulimia are concrete, knowing whether someone is truly exhibiting them can be bewildering. Bulimia is a disease whereby the sufferer binges and then purges, and both acts may be carried out in complete privacy. So, what are the warning signs and symptoms of bulimia when you do not bear witness to the binge-purge cycle?

Physical Changes- A person who is binging and purging may gain and lose weight rapidly; this fluctuation in weight is sometimes the first obvious sign that a person is suffering from bulimia. Likewise, someone who is vomiting excessively may start to experience tooth decay or yellowing of the enamel. Swelling of the cheeks and callusing or redness of the knuckles can also occur if the fingers are used to initiate regurgitation.

Disappearance of Food - When food is missing on a regular basis, this may be a warning sign that it is being eaten in secrecy.

Overeating - A person who suffers from bulimia may continue to eat long after others have finished their meals, or it may seem that their "fullness switch" has been turned off.

Going to the Bathroom After Eating - Overeating is often followed by self-induced vomiting. Regular trips to the bathroom soon after eating may be a signal that someone is purging.

Use of Laxatives - Many bulimics use over-the-counter medications to facilitate the purging process. Laxatives are quite common, but diuretics and enemas are also used. Ipecac is another drug that is used to assist in vomiting.

Seeing or Smelling Vomit - Because many of the people who suffer from bulimia vomit after eating, the smell of vomit on one's breath and/or discovering regurgitation in the bathroom are signs that one is purging.

Treating Bulimia

If you suspect that a person is suffering from bulimia, there are steps you can take now

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