Vomiting can cause contraction alkalosis. They lose HCL as they induce vomiting, leading to contraction alkalosis.
Patient’s have hypokalemia

Bulimia nervosa

  • Distorted body image; Over concern with body shape/weight
  • Recurrent binge eating
  • Self-Induced vomiting
  • Laxative abuse
  • Dental enamel erosion
  • Weight: normal or above normal
  • Salivary gland (submandibular gland) enlargement
  • Hypokalemia
  • Contraction alkalosis
  • Calluses over knuckles (dorsal aspect of fingers) from inducing vomiting
  • Fear of weight gain
  • Rx: cognitive behavioral therapy (first-line), SSRIs (second-line)

 

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder associated with recurrent binge eating and induced vomiting. There is also a history of excessive physical activity in many cases. Because of vomiting, the teeth are stained and there is destruction of the enamel from stomach acid. Parotid swelling is also noted frequently. With mumps and bacterial parotitis the patient feels sick and parotid glands are tender. Cat scratch disease and mononucleosis affect lymph glands.” ABFM

References

Am Fam Physician 2015;91(1):46-52.

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