If you are noticing that your little one is having an all-you-can-eat buffet with the Play-Doh and you are feeling a bit worried about it, we hear you! Children are known to put anything and everything in their mouths, so this is a common theme for them! But what about adults? Is this normal behavior? We are here to explain a phenomenon known as Pica; it is the act of eating objects that are not considered food. There are many questions to be answered, so let’s do this!
What are the signs/symptoms of pica?
It is the craving/ingesting of clay, dirt, crayons, paint, sand, feces, rocks, etc.
How do I know if my child has pica?
To be determined if an individual has pica, they will need to be eating these inedible objects for a month!
What will happen if my child continues eating these objects?
When eating non-foods, the human body is bound to react negatively, it will not be a piece of cake! They may experience stomach pain/issues, mouth or teeth injuries, or bloating due to the blockage in the stomach and intestine.
What causes pica?
The causes of pica range from nutritional deficiencies to neurological difficulties. Pica has been shown in individuals who have iron deficiency anemia, pregnant folks, and those who have been diagnosed with a disorder such as OCD. In fact, pica is highly prevalent in low-income environments.
Is there a test to diagnose pica?
According to MedlinePlus, there is no specific test. A simple blood test can show whether an individual has any issues within the body that causes pica. Or if the individual is showing signs of neurological issues, then clinical trials are performed.
Is there a cure?
So far, there is no specific cure to stop pica, though, with attention and continuous practice, the excessive eating of non-foods may reduce! But in children, pica may be outgrown!
Overall, pica is a common act in children and pregnant individuals. If you are feeling worried about this behavior, we highly recommend contacting your health care physician! With enough time and attention, pica may be properly dealt with, managed, and hopefully solved!
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