1. Pica Disorder Broken Down
Pica is simply eating non-nutritive things for a period of a month or more. Children less than 24 months do not have pica since children under 2 years constantly put non-nutritive things in their mouths as a part of their development. Pica is an eating disorder and while most commonly seen in children, or developmentally delayed adults, adults can do it too. Children with autism or mental retardation are at a much higher risk for pica. Most people with pica get cravings for random objects including clay, dirt, sand, pebbles, hair, feces, ice, cigarette butts, laundry detergent, fingernails, paper and string. People who crave dust off blinds or fan blades also have pica. In many people, pica is an overwhelming desire and one they hide since they know it's odd.
2. Triggers of Pica Disorder
Experts are still learning about pica, but there may be some things that trigger pica in healthy adults. Pregnant women are at a higher risk for pica as their nutritional needs increase. Dieting or malnutrition can also trigger pica. Pica is actually normal in some cultures where people eat soil and dirt as a part of cultural practice. Nutritional deficiencies such as iron or zinc may also trigger pica though not everyone treated for iron or zinc anemia stops the pica behavior.
3. Why Does Pica Matter?
Pica matters because people can ingest harmful toxins. Lead poisoning is a common side effect of pica. Sufferers of pica can also ingest dangerous amounts of chemicals or even get hyperkalemia (from eating burnt matches). People can also ingest soil parasites from eating soil and clay and get toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis. GI blockages and intestinal blockages are also common as are constipation, ulcerations and perforations. Sudden pica in adults may indicate a nutritional deficiency such as iron or zinc, though experts still debate this.
4. See Your Care Provider
If you suspect you're suffering or a family member is suffering from pica you need to see your care provider to fully detect pica disorder. In children, treatment of pica is as simple as education, and taking and keeping pica items away from them. In adults, treatment may be more complex and involve therapy. If you or someone you know suffers from pica, your care provider will test you to make sure there are no vitamin deficiencies and may test for toxins, poisons or GI problems.
Member Comments