There are many children that we may know who tend to eat to soap, chalk, stones, sand, or dirt. In fact, many of us have eaten at least one non edible substance at one point of time when we were young. It is a normal mischievous thing to do as young children.
However, what if you are not a child anymore but you feel the urge of eating things that are not considered food? Pica syndrome involves the consumption of non food substances that do not have any nutritional value. Pica syndrome can be found in children, adolescents and adults as well.
Eating non edible substances can cause constipation, blockages in digestive tract and intestines and may cause serious infections, leading to damage of kidneys or livers.
What Causes Pica?
- Iron deficiency anemia and malnutrition
- Pregnancy
- Intellectual disability
- Zinc deficiency
- Stress
Symptoms of Pica
If you spot your child or yourself eating non edible substances for more than a month frequently, beware you might be suffering from Pica Syndrome. Consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid complications.
How to Diagnose Pica?
If you suspect of having Pica Syndrome, the doctor may assess anemia, blockages in your body or the toxicity from the consumed substance. You will be asked about your eating habits and what kind of substances you have eaten. The doctor might want to go for a physical examination involving blood tests, X Rays and check for any infections or bacteria present in your body. You would also be counselled on how to get diverted from eating non edible substances.
The doctor may prescribe vitamin supplements and give you dietary recommendations and also train you to control your cravings for non edible substances and make you understand what is to be eaten and what is to be avoided.
Sambav hopes to bring out the different syndromes a person might think is normal, but in reality, is a serious issue and tries to curb the severity or complications of a disease. Check out the Sambav’s Health Wallet App for more useful features!
