We all have noticed young kids put nonfood items in their mouths at one time or another. They're naturally curious about their environment and might, for instance, eat some dirt out of the sandbox. We all have tried that when we were babies too.
However, kids with Pica (pronounced "pie-ka") go beyond this innocent exploration of their surroundings. Between 10% and 30% of kids ages of 1 to 6 years have the eating disorder Pica, which is characterized by persistent and compulsive cravings (lasting 1 month or longer) to eat nonfood items such as paper, dirt, feces, hairballs, clay, paint, glue, etc...
The specific causes of pica are unknown, but certain conditions and situations can increase a person's risk.
Pica is most common in people with developmental disabilities, including autism and mental retardation, and in children between the ages of 2 and 3.
Pica also may surface in children who've had a brain injury affecting their development. It can also be a problem for people with epilepsy, as well as pregnant women; a lack of certain nutrients, such as iron deficiency anemia and zinc deficiency, may trigger the unusual cravings.
People who keep dieting may attempt to ease hunger by eating nonfood substances to get a feeling of fullness.
Cultural factors in families, religions, or groups in which eating nonfood substances is a learned practice.
Parental neglect, lack of supervision, or food deprivation, often seen in children living in poverty.
Mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia.
Although sometimes Pica is harmless but in other cases it can be extremely harmful and even fatal! It can lead to:
- Bezoar: a mass of undigestible material trapped inside the body, usually in the stomach
- Various infections in the body
- Intestinal Obstruction
- Lead Poisoning (most dangerous)
- Malnutrition
Treatment:
There is no specific medication for this condition; however, calling and consulting with your healthcare provider is a must whenever you see symptoms of Pica. Your doctor can help you or your kid in getting enough nutrition and therapy to fight this disorder.
Pica is something that everyone should be informed about, just as they would be informed about anorexia and bulimia. Just like those two eating disorders are very serious and can be fatal if not treated, pica can be too.
