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Your personal nutritionist

By Mary Hartley, RD
Director of Nutrition

What are some of the bad effects of throwing up after you eat?
Asked by anonymous on Apr 11, 2008 in Eating Disorders

Answer

Assuming you are referring to bulimia, vomiting to purge food after a meal can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances.  Potassium lost in vomiting can produce heart beat irregularities, weakness, fainting, and cramps.  Forceful vomiting can irritate esophagus and cause lifelong reflux. The esophagus and stomach can even rupture in some cases. Teeth will decay as stomach acids wear away the protective enamel. The cheeks and neck can swell when stomach acid irritates the salivary glands.  Scabs and calluses can form on the knuckles when fingers are stuck down the throat.  For more information, read a primer on bulimia from the Eating Disorders Guide at About.com.