PICA means eating NON NUTRITIVE substances PERSISTENTLY by kids
Commonest substances are :
Clay, Charcoal, Paint, Mud, Ashes and sometimes plaster
During 1-2 years kids will try to taste anything and everything available to them. This called "Oral Phase" of development and "Mouthing" is normal up to some stage
But some kids continue to eat non nutritive substances which may cause some ill effects
Reasons (may be ) :
There is no clear cut reason behind this persistent eating .few causes are
Nutrition deficiencies
Iron, zinc, calcium
Child abuse or neglect
What are all the risks of PICA
Lead poisoning
Dental injury
Worm infestation (mud and sand contain lots of worm eggs )
Iron deficiency anaemia
Bowel obstruction - kids may eat their own hair and it will collect in the stomach which cause a condition called as BEZOAR
Management /Treatment
Both Medical treatment and psychological treatment needed
iron deficiency anaemia should be treated with iron supplements .Zinc and Calcium also can be given
Deworming done with albendazole drug
Lead level in the blood should measured and should be treated accordingly
Surgical Treatment : sometimes hair and plastics may cause blockade in the intestine , stomach which may need surgical removal
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