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Children are always curious and thus put everything in their mouth. However, if a child is eating non-edible substances quite often, he/she may actually be suffering from an eating disorder called pica. Pica can lead to serious health related problem, both physical and emotional. It is thus imperative to prevent or alleviate pica as soon as possible. There are multiple causes that lead to this behaviour. In some regions, this behaviour is related to “culture-bound syndrome”, although, the development of pica is mostly due to a deficiency in minerals and vitamins or mental health issues.
What is Pica in Kids?
The eating disorder where children consume non-food items on a frequent or regular basis is called pica. A classic example of this disorder is when a child eats sand. Non-food items can include dirt, sand, paper, paint, chalk, hair, wood and more. Pica eating disorder in children leads to problems in the digestive system and delays in development. As this condition continues to persist for a longer duration, it can cause harm to the child and his/her development.
How Common is Pica in Children?
It is quite common for children to explore the world with their taste buds. When babies develop new teeth, they often discover new things to chew upon. Every time a baby puts something inedible in their mouth, it is not because they have pica! Pica disorder is something that exceeds the normal explorative behaviour during the developmental stages of a baby. Pica can be recognised when a child, between 18 to 24 months, begins to have a consistent tendency to crave for non-food items for over a month. In some cases, pica is also suggestive of autism. It is also commonly observed in children with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Causes of Pica in Children
Pica in children can be caused due to a number of reasons including:
- Taste acquired for the specific item
- Deficiency in minerals such as zinc or iron (hookworm or Celiac disease can also be the cause for this)
- A disorder that is known as OCD or obsessive-compulsive habit
- Imbalance of the brain chemicals
- Injury in the brain
- For the purpose of seeking attention
- Maternal neglect or deprivation
Symptoms of Pica Disorder in Young Children
Here are some of the symptoms of pica disorder that can be observed in children:
- Repetitiveness and regularity of consuming non-food substances
- Eating non-food substances consistently for more than a month
How is Diagnosis of Pica in Children Done?
There is no specific test to diagnose this disorder. The doctor diagnoses this disorder based on several factors including medical history. It is necessary, to be honest with the doctor regarding the non-food items being consumed by the child and the period when this habit began. If the habit persists for longer than a month, it is highly probable that it is indeed pica disorder. It is wiser to curb this disorder before it’s full-fledged development. Doctors perform a blood test to check for iron and zinc levels. A deficiency in iron content can lead to pica. Schedule a routine check-up to detect malnutrition, which can also lead to pica.
Complications of Pica Disorder in Kids
Pica disorder can harm children and lead to multiple complications such as:
- Lead toxicity (leading to hematologic, renal, cardiovascular, endocrine and neurological defects)
- Complications in the gastrointestinal tract (including mild ones like constipation to extreme and harmful ones like hemorrhage)
- Nutritional deficiencies (particularly zinc and iron deficiencies)
- Dental problems (like chipped and cracked teeth)
Effective Treatment of Pica
When pica results from an imbalance in nutrients, doctors prescribe mineral and vitamin supplements. Apart from this, following are some of the common treatment methods adopted in the case of pica:
- Therapy, medication or both are prescribed by doctors when pica is caused due to mental health issues like OCD.
- Since neglect could be a cause for pica, it is advised to work on communication skills and increase communication with the child.
- Create a special box which is filled with edible food that the child can opt from as opposed to the non-food item that the child reaches for.
- Avoid any negative actions like strict punishments when the child displays such behaviour and practice reinforcing actions that are positive when the child avoids pica behaviour.
Prevention Measures
Preventing pica is not possible since it is a behaviour that is developed. The best strategy that can be employed to avoid or recognize this disorder at the early stages is in the following ways:
- Spread awareness. Educate couples with kids regarding various healthy eating habits and about the disorder itself.
- Pay attention to the diet. Give the child a healthy and nutritional diet.
- Communication is the key. Effectively communicate with your child.
- Routine evaluation is a must. Opt for a routine check-up with the doctor to diagnose any health conditions that could signal pica behaviour.
- Go healthy. Encourage the child to eat healthy snacks and restraint when reaching for non-food items.
- Know what to do. If any mental health issues are diagnosed, effectively involve in treating this issue, as neglecting it could lead to the development of pica.
When Should You Call the Doctor
You must visit the doctor immediately after you suspect your child might have pica. Pica can cause dental issues, infections, digestive issues, and intoxication. Call the doctor as soon as you recognize these conditions.
In some cases, getting rid of the pica can be quite easy, whereas many a child may require some professional help and advanced methods to alleviate pica. Patience is a very important virtue to maintain throughout this process. You should be positive continuously and encourage you kid constantly for any treatment to be effective.
