Anorexia Complications
There are many complications possible in anorexia victims. The complications will vary depending on the damage that has been done before the victim seeks diagnosis and treatment. Many people who are suffering from anorexia will not admit that they even have a health problem until some severe damage has already been done to the vital organs of the body. Anorexia can damage every vital organ in the body. The organs most often affected are the heart, brain, liver, and kidneys. There is also sometimes damage done to the lungs, bones, and other organs. There is often dizziness, fatigue, fainting, thinness, hair that falls out, thins, or breaks, brittle nails, constipation, irregular heartbeat, dehydration, osteoporosis, low blood pressure, low sodium, low chloride, low blood potassium, mitral valve prolapse, heart failure, lung problems (similar to emphysema), bone loss which increases risk for fractures later, gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and nausea, kidney problems, liver damage, cessation of menstruation (in females), decrease in testosterone (in males), soft hair all over the body, dry skin, refusal to eat, lack of emotion, excessive exercise, trouble concentrating and more. There are many problems associated with anorexia so it is important for the victim to seek help as soon as possible so the damage can be repaired. If they wait too long some of the damage may not be reversed. Some of the complications may be there for the rest of the victims life and there is always the chance the anorexic victim will die.
There was not much scientific study done on anorexia and other eating disorders until the 1970's and 1980's. In 1983, Karen Carpenter died from complications of anorexia. Her heart had been damaged so badly that she died of a sudden heart attack. She had been taking treatment for her anorexia and some felt that she had it licked but her heart was just too weak. By the time she decided she needed help her heart had sustained too much damaged. There have been others who have died from complications caused by anorexia. Anorexia was first described in 1684 and it was described and diagnosed as a disease in 1870 but it was not until the 70' and 80's that scientists really began to study the disease. People are influenced so much by society that it is one of the causes for anorexia and other eating disorders. Peer pressure and low self esteem also play a part in it. Some people who are anorexic have family members who also have eating disorders so it is also believed that genetics may play a part in the disease too. Whether it is cause by one or all three of these factors, there needs to be more study done on it and it needs to be addressed to the public more so people can see just how dangerous it really is.
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