![]() If your child is suspected to have been exposed to a contaminated substance like lead, lead screening may be required. Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements and deworming agents. Your child will have to be taught about edible and non- edible food substances. The treatment for pica is first and foremost a secure and stable family structure. Finally, checking your son's blood may help to determine if he is iron deficient. If pica is suspected, your son may have signs of iron deficiency like pallor (pale skin), spooning of nails, irritation, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc. How do I know whether my son who is eating paint has iron deficiency? Most commonly it is suspected that emotional disturbance and deficiencies of iron or zinc may lead to this condition (However, it is controversial whether iron deficiency leads to pica or pica leads to iron deficiency).ĭoes pica lead to any health complications?Ĭontinued consumption of non-food items may lead to problems like Though the specific cause of pica is unknown, there are a lot of theories prevalent trying to explain its cause. Pica is also common in people who want to diet as they may try to decrease their hunger craving with low-calorie and non-food substances. Pregnant women may particularly crave for non-edible items during pregnancy. Surprisingly, a lot of adults also suffer from pica. It is found more commonly in children with epilepsy, mental retardation, or developmental problems (e.g. As many as 10 to 20% of children may suffer from pica at some point in time until they reach adulthood. ![]() Always consult your doctor if your child is suffering from pica. However, if your son is perpetually eating mud or other non-food items like dirt, paint chips, plaster, chalk, corn starch, ash, rust, soap, sandpaper, etc then your child is suffering from an eating disorder called as "Pica". Is it normal? What should I do?Ĭhildren are naturally curious and tend to explore their surroundings, often putting things into their mouths. ![]() My son is 15 months old and is eating mud.
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