7. Swollen Glands and Puffy Face: The Physical Manifestation
Swollen glands, particularly the salivary glands located near the jaw and neck, can be a physical sign of bulimia nervosa. The glands may become swollen due to frequent self-induced vomiting, leading to a puffy appearance in the face. This swelling can cause discomfort and may be noticeable to others, even if the individual tries to hide their compensatory behaviors.
In addition to swollen glands, other physical signs of bulimia may include a puffy face due to fluid retention, broken blood vessels in the eyes from the strain of vomiting, and dental issues such as tooth decay or erosion from stomach acid. Recognizing these physical symptoms can help in identifying bulimia nervosa and encouraging the individual to seek professional help. (7)