Gastrointestinal difficulties: Gastroenterologic complications in eating disorders can include vomiting, abdominal pain, bowel irregularities/constipation, abdominal distension following meals and/or abnormal bowel sounds. Individuals with bulimia nervosa may have upper abdominal and/or chest pain/discomfort secondary to irritation of the esophagus, blood in vomitus, gastritis, esophagitis, gastroesophageal erosions, acid reflux, gastric tears, increased risk for pancreatitis. Individuals with anorexia nervosa may experience delayed gastric emptying and intestinal peristalsis, abdominal pain, bloating and constipation either during the starvation phase or during refeeding. Laxative related difficulties include: irregular bowel functioning, constipation, bloating, blood in stool. Chronic laxative abuse is associated with rebound edema, continued constipation after discontinued use and colonic dysmotility. Patients that combine vomiting, laxative and/or diuretic use are at increased risk of developing electrolyte disturbances. Keywords: define Gastrointestinal difficulties, definition Gastrointestinal difficulties, definition of Gastrointestinal difficulties, meaning Gastrointestinal difficulties, dictionary Gastrointestinal difficulties, what is Gastrointestinal difficulties, Gastrointestinal difficulties eating disorder If you came to the F.E.A.S.T. Eating Disorders Glossary from a page on the F.E.A.S.T site, click the "go back" button in your internet browser to return to that page; if not, we welcome you to visit the FEAST home page for a wealth of information on evidence-based treatment for eating disorders, support for parents and families, the latest eating disorders research, a forum for parents and caregivers, useful books, etc. |