Anorexia Epidemiology

If you or a loved one suffers from the eating disorder of anorexia, it is important that you learn to identify medical emergencies that are directly related to this condition. When it comes to an eating disorder, many believe that if food is consumed or another nutritional product that the symptoms will be overcome.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. There are many medical complications that may occur if an individual has been restricting the amount of food that they consume. These complications include increased infections, a weakened immune system, organ dysfunction and even organ failure. Here, you will learn what symptoms indicate a medical emergency.

Immediate Concerns

There are a group of symptoms that should be considered immediate concerns in those that are experiencing an eating disorder - especially anorexia. The symptoms include, but are not limited to the following:

• If the anorexic begins to experience fainting, they should be seen by a doctor immediately.

• Gastrointestinal complications, such as vomiting blood and odd looking substances, and passing stools during bowel movements that are either black or covered in blood are medical emergencies.

• Experiencing severe pain in any region of the body may be a medical emergency.

• Pain in the abdomen is considered to be significant when it comes to anorexics.

• The inability to pass urine could indicate that the kidneys are experiencing a form or dysfunction or that they are completely shutting down.

Other Concerns

If you or a loved one has been obsessing over their weight, imposing restrictions on food intake, and suffering from distortion as far as the body image is concerned, it could be that anorexia has developed. If weight is dropped at a rapid rate, there is a marked fear of gaining weight, dishonesty occurs when asked about eating and exercising, and diuretics, laxatives, and diet pills are being used regularly, it is time to set up an appointment with a doctor before the condition gets out of hand.