Expert: Joanne - 12/10/2007

Question
I was bulimic for 5 years, and am recovering now. But my glands are really swollen. Wondering if they are ever going back to normal? How long will it take? Any medication that would help with the swelling?

Answer
Tina

Congratulations on recovery!!

Your salivary glands swell as a result of being overworked and irritated during purging.  These will go back to normal, but only when you are recovered and haven't purged for a lengthy time.  I'm sorry that I can't give you an exact time for that!

Unfortunately, I don't think that there are any medications that would reduce the swelling, but I would visit your Dr and make sure that there is nothing he can give you.  If they are painful, you will be able to get something to help with the pain, and if they are painful, there is the chance that they have actually become infected!

I hope that this is of some help, just to put your mind at rest seeing as there is not much I can say on the matter!

If you need any other questions answered, please come back and I'd be more than happy to help!

All the best
Holly