![]() Complications Ĭomplications may occur due to the substance consumed. This pattern of eating should last at least one month to meet the time diagnostic criterion of pica. Xylophagia (wood, or wood products such as paper).Trichophagia (hair, wool, and other fibers).Geophagia (earth, soil, sand, clay, chalk).Amylophagia (purified starch, as from corn).Subtypes are characterized by the substance eaten: Pica is the consumption of substances with no significant nutritional value such as soap, plaster, or paint. Signs and symptoms Chalky stone composed of kaolinite with traces of quartz, small pieces of which were sucked on by a person with pica Pica can also be found in animals such as dogs and cats. Cases of severe bacterial infections occurrence (leptospirosis) in patients diagnosed with pica have also been reported. Another risk of eating soil is the ingestion of animal feces and accompanying parasites. In addition to poisoning, a much greater risk exists of gastrointestinal obstruction or tearing in the stomach. A similar risk exists from eating soil near roads that existed before the phase-out of tetraethyllead or that were sprayed with oil (to settle dust) contaminated by toxic PCBs or dioxin. Children eating painted plaster containing lead may develop brain damage from lead poisoning. Pica is most commonly seen in pregnant women, small children, and people who may have developmental disabilities such as autism. Stressors such as psychological trauma, maternal deprivation, family issues, parental neglect, pregnancy, and a disorganized family structure are risk factors for pica. Pica has been linked to other mental disorders. In addition, it can cause surgical emergencies to address intestinal obstructions, as well as more subtle symptoms such as nutritional deficiencies and parasitosis. Pica may lead to intoxication in children, which can result in an impairment of both physical and mental development. Īccording to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), pica as a standalone eating disorder must persist for more than one month at an age when eating such objects is considered developmentally inappropriate, not part of culturally sanctioned practice, and sufficiently severe to warrant clinical attention. The term was drawn directly from the medieval Latin word for magpie, a bird subject to much folklore regarding its opportunistic feeding behaviors. The ingested or craved substance may be biological, natural or manmade. It is classified as an eating disorder but can also be the result of an existing mental disorder. These steps will enable the doctor to diagnose pica and its complications and try to ascertain the cause behind it to the maximum probability.Pica is the eating or craving of things that are not food. ![]() Sometimes, imaging or an X-ray may be required to identify what was consumed or to closely observe conditions such as obstructions in the intestines or bowels if any is suspected.The doctor may also conduct a stool test to check for parasitic infections. Insufficiency of these vitamins or vitamin deficiency might be a cause for eating dirt (or clay) in certain cases. ![]() Blood tests check anemia, toxins in the blood, blockages in the intestines, and for iron and zinc deficiency.
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