If you or someone you know exhibits pica disorder symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment for this condition, sooner rather than later.
#Pica medical condition how to#
If you’re craving other nonfood things, ask them about how to treat the issue. Most commonly seen among children, developmentally disabled persons and pregnant woman, pica disorder can pose some very real health dangers, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. They can help ensure that you and your baby are getting the right nutrients for healthy growth and development. If you think you have pica, let your OB-GYN know right away - even if the only nonfood thing you crave is ice. In serious cases, pica can lead to other health complications like infections, stomach irritation, a blockage in your digestive tract, vomiting, and weight loss. They might also make you feel full, leading you to not eat enough of the nutritious food you and your baby need. It’s important to note that sometimes pica and nonfood cravings can be directly harmful to your health if you’re eating other nonfood things.įor example, eating nonfood items like paper, clay, or dirt can make you ill. However, the potential underlying cause of craving ice in pica - like anemia - might be harmful to you and your baby. If you’re just craving ice and enjoy munching on ice chips, this isn’t particularly risky for you and your baby (as long as you don’t chip a tooth!). Pica itself is not always harmful, but addressing its underlying causes can help prevent its associated risks. They also observed that many participants sought the nonfood items because they were appealing and felt the scent or taste helped alleviate their nausea. The researchers noted that some participants believed that the white clay and ice had nutritional value. The most common items consumed were white clay and ice.
Pica generally resolves in children of normal intelligence after they have been trained to discriminate between edible and inedible items and proper supervision is provided. The study also found that 47.5 percent of the women had some form of pica during pregnancy. Pica is a significant cause of anemia and lead poisoning.
#Pica medical condition manual#
poor nutrition or nutrient deficiencies Pica is listed as a mental health disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and more specifically is.One study in 286 pregnant women in Ghana noted that pregnant women most at risk of pica may include those who have: If you’re pregnant, you’re at a higher risk of anemia from not getting enough iron or B vitamins.
This issue may also arise if nausea and vomiting limit the amount of nutrients you’re taking in.Ī deficiency in important minerals like iron and zinc may trigger pica. Sometimes the increased demands of pregnancy may lead to a nutrient deficiency. Your body needs proper nutrition to support your pregnancy. One reason why your body might crave nonfood items is that you’re not getting adequate nutrient intake.ĭuring pregnancy, the foods you eat supply your own needs, as well as those of your growing baby. Some of its causes might explain why it’s more common in pregnant women.
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