Know All About
PICA
Definition:
Craving or eating bizarre substances, that have no nutritional value, like mud, clay, pencils, chalk, paint from the wall etc.
Sex or Age most Affected
Children between ages 1 and 6. Pica does not apply to infants and children up to about 18 months old as they normally “put everything” in the mouth.
Signs & Symptons
- Eating non-food substances, such as clay, pencil, plaster, paint or gravel.
- Abdominal pain (sometimes).
- Symptoms of resultant anemia, worms or giardiasis.
Causes
- Instinctive needs to replace minerals deficient in the diet for e.g. eating clay/mud in Iron deficiency
- Psychological factors that are not well understood related to emotional deprivation.
Risk Increases With
- Family history of pica.
- Poor nutrition.
- Anemia.
Prevention
- Remove substances from the reach of children.
- Provide a well-balanced diet for yourself and your children.
- Provide a loving, supportive home environment for your children.
- If painting your house, ask for lead-free paint. Ditto for painting older baby cribs.
Diagnostic Measures
- Observation of symptoms.
- History and physical exam by a doctor.
- Laboratory studies to detect anemia, worms.
Possible Complications
- Lead poisoning from paints or plaster.
- Intestinal infections or parasites from soil.
- Anemia.
- Malnutrition.
NOTE–Follow your doctor’s instructions. The instructions given below are supplemental.
TREATMENT
General Measures
- Keep the substances, your child is eating, out of his reach.
- Evaluate your home environment and family interactions. If you feel they are not what they should be, seek ways to create a healthier atmosphere. Consult a counselor, if necessary.OTE–Follow your doctor’s instructions. The instructions given below are supplemental.
Medication
Let your doctor diagnose the cause and suggest medicines.
Diet
Provide a well-balanced diet. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary. If you need help planning meals, click here or if still not satisfied, ask Ms. Minal.
Contact your Doctor
- Your child continues to have symptoms of pica.
- Pica does not improve in 2 weeks, despite treatment.