8/16/2023 0 Comments Pica symptomsIngestion of dirt or clay may be considered culturally acceptable in some areas. It is unclear, though, whether the lack of nutrients led to the consumption of clay, for instance, or whether eating nonfood items caused nutritional deficits. One potential reason that individuals consume nonfood items is that they suffer from a nutritional deficiency such as a low level of iron, zinc, or calcium. 3 There are both psychosocial and biochemical causes. There are many hypotheses regarding the causes of pica, but no firm data supports these theories. The unborn baby and mother can be endangered, depending upon the items eaten. Pregnant women tend to chew on ice a great deal during pregnancy, but they can also consume much of the same items that children eat during episodes of pica. This is not the same as children who suck on their hair as a self-soothing technique or chew on pencils out of boredom in the classroom. This can result in nutritional deficits from lack of actual food, medical issues from intestinal blockages, or even more severe complications, depending upon the items ingested. Young children ingest all kinds of nonfood items like paper, dirt, glue, erasers, cloth, chalk, and hair. 4Among those with intellectual disabilities, it is most common between the ages of 10-20 years. 3It is also seen in other populations, such as those with intellectual disabilities, autism, OCD, trichotillomania (hair pulling), and schizophrenia. 2 Although pica occurs equally in female and male children, it is rare to see pica in adolescent and adult males. Pica is most common among pregnant women and young children. Pagophagia (ice): ranging from cups to pounds a dayĬommon nonfood items eaten by those with pica include but are not limited to:.Amylophagy (raw starch): raw potatoes, rice, flour, corn starch, baby powder.There are several categories of items consumed. Pica.In all those suffering with pica, the consumption of non-food items is present. Pica in pregnancy: An unusual presentation. Eating everything except food (PICA): A rare case report and review. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Sometimes, it can be worth waiting to initiate treatment when the nonfood item is relatively harmless, such as when a person craves ice. In pregnant women, pica may go away on its own after childbirth. reducing nutrient deficits with supplements, dietary changes, or both.medication to treat underlying mental health conditions, if present.sensory support, such as providing a safer item to chew on.cultural beliefs surrounding nonfood itemsĪddressing these issues may help reduce a person’s cravings.whether or not a person understands that these items are not edible.sensory-seeking behaviors, such as chewing nonfood items.They may also use blood tests to check for nutritional deficits. This usually involves assessing their medical history to understand any symptoms or risk factors. To treat pica itself, a doctor must first identify why the person craves nonfood items. Treatment in these cases might include antibiotics or even surgery. Some people develop lead poisoning, infections, or other severe symptoms as a result of pica. Treating pica typically begins with addressing these problems first. Share on Pinterest A doctor may prescribe medication if they believe pica is the result of an underlying mental health condition.Įating nonfood items can cause issues such as stomach pain and broken teeth.
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