Purging
Purging refers to the act of removing unwanted substances from the body, often through vomiting or the use of laxatives. This behavior is commonly associated with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, but can also be a symptom of other medical conditions or a side effect of certain medications.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Purging can be caused by a variety of factors, including psychological issues, medical conditions, and certain medications. Some of the most common causes include:
- Eating disorders: Purging is a common behavior in individuals with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. These individuals may use purging as a way to control their weight or cope with negative emotions.
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastroenteritis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause frequent vomiting, which may be mistaken for purging.
- Medications: Some medications, including certain chemotherapy drugs and opioids, can cause nausea and vomiting.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The symptoms of purging can vary depending on the underlying cause, but may include:
- Frequent vomiting
- Use of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas
- Swelling of the cheeks or jaw area
- Discolored teeth
- Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
- Unusual behaviors around food
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for purging typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include:
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to treat eating disorders, including those that involve purging. This type of therapy can help individuals change unhealthy behaviors and develop a healthier relationship with food.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be used to help manage symptoms or treat underlying conditions. For example, antidepressants may be used to treat eating disorders, while medications that reduce stomach acid may be used to treat GERD.
- Nutritional counseling: Nutritional counseling can help individuals develop healthier eating habits and understand the impact of their behaviors on their body.
See also[edit | edit source]
| Purging Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
