Teen's Life-Threatening Injury Exposes Hidden Dangers of Bulimia
A 19-year-old woman from Moscow has been hospitalised after suffering a rare but life-threatening injury linked to an eating disorder. Karina, who regularly induced vomiting to control her weight, was rushed to hospital with severe chest pain and blood in her cough.
The incident began when Karina suddenly felt sharp pain in her throat and chest. She started coughing up blood, prompting an emergency hospital visit. On arrival, she appeared pale, with a rapid pulse and extreme pain when swallowing.
Doctors suspected two serious conditions: an esophageal rupture caused by repeated vomiting and Mallory-Weiss syndrome, where bleeding occurs from tears in the stomach lining. Due to the severity of her symptoms, she was immediately referred to both a gastroenterologist and a psychiatrist for urgent treatment.
No official figures exist for how many young Russians face similar complications from eating disorders in 2024. Cases like Karina's, however, highlight the physical risks of conditions such as bulimia.
Karina's case underscores the dangerous consequences of long-term vomiting as a weight-control method. She remains under medical supervision, with specialists addressing both her physical injuries and the underlying personality disorder. The incident serves as a reminder of the urgent care required for severe eating disorder complications.
