What it is
Repeated vomiting and laxative use can upset the body's salt balance, damage the teeth and throat, and affect the heart.
Treatment usually involves guided self-help or eating disorder-focused talking therapy. Recovery is possible, and the earlier help starts the better.
Common signs
- Eating large amounts of food in a short time and feeling out of control
- Making yourself sick, using laxatives or exercising excessively after eating
- Being very worried about weight and body shape
- Going to the bathroom straight after meals
- Sore throat, swollen cheeks or damaged teeth
How it is usually diagnosed
- A conversation with a GP
- Referral to an eating disorder service
- Blood tests to check salts (electrolytes)
- An ECG in some cases
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Assessment and therapy letters
- Blood test results, especially potassium
- ECG reports
- Dental notes
Questions to ask your doctor
- What treatment is available, and how quickly?
- What physical checks do I need?
- How can my family support me?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Fainting, chest pain, palpitations or severe weakness: call 112
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.