What are the consequences of vomiting on a regular basis?
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Last Updated: 06/24/2020 at 7:15pm
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Many of us have vomited before due to stomach flu or other viruses; however, there can be very serious and detrimental effects of vomiting regularly. Some common underlying causes of frequent vomiting are Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome, food poisoning, and bulimia. Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome is a medical condition where the individual will experience recurrent, prolonged attacks of severe nausea, vomiting, and prostration with no apparent cause. In the case of food poisoning, an individual will commonly vomit shortly after eating the food as the body attempts to expel the toxins from the body. Bulimia, on the other hand, is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by unhealthy compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain such as self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives.
With bulimia, an individual will frequently cause themselves to vomit even though they do not experience any form of nausea. When a person attempts to self induce vomiting, they stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), a part of the brain known as the vomit center (this is the same area that causes motion sickness). The CTZ will then trigger their gag reflex causing them to vomit. Bulimia is a very serious condition and can cause many health issues down the road. If you frequently induce vomiting or know someone who does please seek medical attention as this can harm your body in many ways.
Here are just a few ways that frequent vomiting affects different parts of your body:
1) Heart:
Repeated vomiting can cause dehydration which can cause hypotension (low blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid or irregular heartbeat). It can also put a person at high risk of experiencing heart arrhythmias by causing low levels of potassium in cardiac muscles. If continued for an extended period of time, frequent vomiting can result in heart failure.
2) Esophagus:
The esophagus pushes food down through smooth muscle contractions to a valve known as the esophageal sphincter. This valve is intended to be a one-way valve into the stomach. Frequently causing oneself to vomit can irritate or tear the esophagus. If you ever see blood in your vomit, it is a sign that your esophagus has ruptured. Damage to the esophagus can cause achalasia, where the esophagus is unable to pass food through to your stomach. In other words, it will become extremely difficult and painful to swallow. This can also cause a patient to regurgitate swallowed up food and projectile vomit, as well as heartburn and chest pain.
3) Teeth:
Frequent exposure to stomach acid can wear down the enamel of your teeth causing them to be more prone to cavities, chipping, and gum disease.
4) Kidneys:
Bulimia causes dehydration which puts an extra strain on the kidneys. Vomiting frequently puts you at risk of total kidney failure!
5) Stomach:
Bulimia can lead to gastric outlet obstruction, which is an obstruction of the normal channels through which the stomach empties waste. This can cause severe pain and even lead to gastric bezoars which are foreign bodies found in the stomach as a result of ingested material. In other words, it is a hard mass of food that forms because your body is unable to remove the waste due to a gastric outlet obstruction. These may have to be removed through surgery or other invasive procedures.
6) Blood:
Severe vomiting or reduced eating can cause low insulin secretion in the body. These cause ketones to build-up in your blood, raising the acidity level or your body. This causes a significant risk factor for developing diabetic ketoacidosis. This develops quickly and can cause diabetic coma or even death. Some early symptoms include Thirst or a very dry mouth, frequent urination, high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels, and high levels of ketones in the urine. If you are experiencing any of these, please get a physical exam from your doctor so you can work together to prevent any further development.
This list is not all-inclusive as everyone will have a different risk for other complications due to their specific medical history. If you or someone you know are suffering from bulimia please know that recovery is possible and talk to your doctor to find a treatment plan that is right for you. People find that visiting a doctor and following recommendations such as a physical examination or medicine helps them.
With bulimia, an individual will frequently cause themselves to vomit even though they do not experience any form of nausea. When a person attempts to self induce vomiting, they stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), a part of the brain known as the vomit center (this is the same area that causes motion sickness). The CTZ will then trigger their gag reflex causing them to vomit. Bulimia is a very serious condition and can cause many health issues down the road. If you frequently induce vomiting or know someone who does please seek medical attention as this can harm your body in many ways.
Here are just a few ways that frequent vomiting affects different parts of your body:
1) Heart:
Repeated vomiting can cause dehydration which can cause hypotension (low blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid or irregular heartbeat). It can also put a person at high risk of experiencing heart arrhythmias by causing low levels of potassium in cardiac muscles. If continued for an extended period of time, frequent vomiting can result in heart failure.
2) Esophagus:
The esophagus pushes food down through smooth muscle contractions to a valve known as the esophageal sphincter. This valve is intended to be a one-way valve into the stomach. Frequently causing oneself to vomit can irritate or tear the esophagus. If you ever see blood in your vomit, it is a sign that your esophagus has ruptured. Damage to the esophagus can cause achalasia, where the esophagus is unable to pass food through to your stomach. In other words, it will become extremely difficult and painful to swallow. This can also cause a patient to regurgitate swallowed up food and projectile vomit, as well as heartburn and chest pain.
3) Teeth:
Frequent exposure to stomach acid can wear down the enamel of your teeth causing them to be more prone to cavities, chipping, and gum disease.
4) Kidneys:
Bulimia causes dehydration which puts an extra strain on the kidneys. Vomiting frequently puts you at risk of total kidney failure!
5) Stomach:
Bulimia can lead to gastric outlet obstruction, which is an obstruction of the normal channels through which the stomach empties waste. This can cause severe pain and even lead to gastric bezoars which are foreign bodies found in the stomach as a result of ingested material. In other words, it is a hard mass of food that forms because your body is unable to remove the waste due to a gastric outlet obstruction. These may have to be removed through surgery or other invasive procedures.
6) Blood:
Severe vomiting or reduced eating can cause low insulin secretion in the body. These cause ketones to build-up in your blood, raising the acidity level or your body. This causes a significant risk factor for developing diabetic ketoacidosis. This develops quickly and can cause diabetic coma or even death. Some early symptoms include Thirst or a very dry mouth, frequent urination, high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels, and high levels of ketones in the urine. If you are experiencing any of these, please get a physical exam from your doctor so you can work together to prevent any further development.
This list is not all-inclusive as everyone will have a different risk for other complications due to their specific medical history. If you or someone you know are suffering from bulimia please know that recovery is possible and talk to your doctor to find a treatment plan that is right for you. People find that visiting a doctor and following recommendations such as a physical examination or medicine helps them.
Definitely not good, that's for sure. Initially, you'll start trowing up even when you don't mean to. This can be anything from reflux to not being able to keep food down. It'll also damage your throat, and be very painful and scratchy. Like a horrible cold. Your voice might get harsh, swallowing might hurt and there might even be bleeding. If it ever starts bleeding, please go see a doctor. This can get so much worse and even be a risk of choking or even death. It's a big deal. Please take care of yourself
Anonymous
April 1st, 2015 7:08pm
There are several serious consequences to vomiting on a basis.
The most concerning problems are burning of the lining of the esophagus and mouth, enamel on the teeth eroding, and potentially skin damage on the hands, all caused by stomach acid during vomiting. A serious health concern is electrolyte imbalance because the person is removing the contents of their stomach before the nutrients are absorbed.
In no particular order of severity or frequency of occurrence, other problems may include: abdominal pain, cracked or broken ribs from dry heaving, pulled muscles, sore throat (if purging using the fingers), headaches, fainting (nutrients imbalance), and gastrointestinal problems.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, reach out for help.
Bringing stomach acid into the esophagus and mouth on a regular basis tears apart the lining and wears away the enamel in your teeth. It also prevents your body from absorbing the nutrients it needs, and it will feel as though it is in a constant state of starvation. This will cause your body to break down muscle since there isn't an adequate supply of glycogen stored in your liver.
Vomiting on a regular basis can cause, but not limited to, damage to your teeth due to stomach acid, tears in your stomach and esophagus, ulcers, electrolyte imbalances (which can lead to seizures is they are low enough). heart palpitations and heart failure.
Anonymous
February 16th, 2016 4:31am
Weight gain or rapid weight loss
Abdominal pain, bloating.
Swelling of the hands and feet.
Chronic sore throat, hoarseness.
Broken blood vessels in the eyes.
Swollen cheeks and salivary glands.
Inability to keep food down.
Tooth Decay
Damage to stomach internally
Dehydration
Physical
Esophageal problems
Vocal chord damage
Stomach ulcers
Osteoporosis
Hair loss
Digestive problems
Decreased body temperature
Irregular heart beat
Elimination problems
Dental Damage
Organ damage
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Enlarged salivary glands
Dry skin
Decreased bone density
Menstrual dysfunction
Hormone irregularities
Insomnia
Low red blood cell levels
Weak muscles
Immune system damage
Psychological
Out of control feelings
Mood changes
Avoidance of others
Constantly thinking about food
Depression
Anxiety
Unable to eat with others
Poor body-image
Other bulimia side effects include difficulty conceiving a child, a larger risk of miscarriage and premature birth after conception. Some theorize that nature requires humans and animals to be healthy themselves in order to continue to propagate a species that is capable of surviving—theory of natural selection. Bulimia side effects damage a woman’s body which can physically inhibit her from having healthy children in the future
The most plain consequence is the body starving. The body isn't getting the nutrients it needs and will begin shutting down without the energy to keep it going. Energy comes from food, so whomever is losing what keeps the body going. Keep in mind that stomach acid is one of the strongest acids out there. It does damage to your esophagus and teeth. You get bad breath too.
Anonymous
December 14th, 2015 9:42am
Vomiting on a regular basis is damaging to both your stomach and esophagus, as well to your overall well -being. It can lead to acid reflux, gastritis and other related issues. It is important to keep yourself hydrated whenever this happens and try to minimize effects with an appropriate diet. And also seek professional help if the issue persists.
Anonymous
February 9th, 2016 6:10am
Vomiting on a regular basis cause tooth decay. Eventually, it will destroy your enamel and you won't have all your teeth. It can also cause problems in your stomach. If you do it excessively, then soon, you won't be able to keep food down any longer and will have to be hospitalized or else you'll die from starvation and dehydration.
Anonymous
January 15th, 2018 8:07am
Loss of teeth, heart failure, esophageal cancer, internal bleeding, infertility, dehydration & kidney damage
Sore throat, damage to oesophagus and stomach lining, bleeding, dehydration, malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances that might require hospitalisation
Since you lose potassium and sodium you might get a lack of electrolytes which can lead to heart failure. Furthermore, stomach acid can lead to tooth decay (since it hurts the enamel) and the inflammation of the esophagus.
From a medical standpoint, it can cause your esophagus to deteriorate, which can allow acid to get out into your body and do harm, and it can also deteriorate your teeth (ie your molars mostly) and, on a less severe note, cause bad breath.
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