Learn More about- Pica

Introduction 

Pica is a disorder in which people eat non-food items like the most common one’s dirt, clay, ice, and flaking paint. Glue, hair, ashes, and feces are less common. This disorder is more common in children especially ranging from ages 1 to 6. It occurs both in children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Pregnant women crave strangely, non-food items that may be related to iron and zinc deficiency.

Non-food items are:

If you have pica, you may regularly eat

• Ice
• Soap
• Buttons
• Clay
• Hair
• Dirt
• Sand
• Remains of a cigarette
• Cigarette ashes
• Paint
• Feces
• Ashes

Causes:

There is no single cause for pica. In some cases, a deficiency of zinc and iron or any other nutrient may be associated. Unusual cravings may be a sign that one has low nutrient levels. People with Schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder may develop pica as a coping mechanism.  Some people enjoy the texture and flavor of certain nonfood items. Dieting and malnourishment may lead to pica.

Symptoms:

1. Stomach upset
2. Stomach pain
3. Blood in stool
4. Bowel problems

Repeatedly eating for a period of time may cause:

1. Lead poisoning
2. Intestinal blockage or tear
3. Injuries to teeth
4. Infections

Complications :

• Lead poisoning
• Parasitic infections
• Intestinal blockages
• Choking

Diagnosis:

Children chewing on nails, ice, or put toys in their mouth is normal. A person diagnosed with pica consumes nonfood items even if it makes them sick. There is no test for pica. Your doctor will diagnose you based on the history of nonfood consumptions. Your doctor may get your blood test done to learn if you have a deficiency or low levels of zinc or iron.  This may help your doctor learn if you have any nutrient deficiency as sometimes nutrient deficiencies may lead to pica.

Treatment:

If your doctor thinks pica is caused due to nutrient imbalance, then he will recommend some supplements. If you have lead poisoning, you will be given medications that bind with lead, this allows you to excrete the lead in your urine. Your doctor may evaluate you based on OCD and other mental health conditions. Depending on the diagnosis, they may prescribe medications, therapy, or both.

Prevention :

Pica can not be prevented. Proper nutrition may keep children from developing it. Paying close attention to children eating habits may help catch the disorder early,

Helpline 

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/other/pica

https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/support-services/helplines