Pica is a condition where someone feels a strong urge to eat things that are not food, like dirt, paper, or hair. This can be really dangerous and cause health problems, like blockages in the stomach or getting sick from toxic stuff.

Pica often happens for a short time and can be common in people who are pregnant, have low iron levels, or have other vitamin shortages. Sometimes, people with autism also show signs of PICA.

Kids can have pica too, especially if they have autism or other developmental issues, but doctors usually don't diagnose it before age 2.

This article explains what pica looks like, what causes it, and how doctors treat it.

What Do People with Pica Eat?

Pica can show up in different ways. Some types include:

Pagophagia: Eating IceGeophagia: Eating dirt or clay

People with PICA might also eat things like:

Dirt- Paper- Chalk- IcePaint chips- HairAnd more

What causes Pica?

We're not exactly sure what causes pica, but certain things can make it more likely to happen:

Developmental issues- Autismmental health conditions like schizophrenia, not getting enough food or the right nutrients; stress or trauma and sometimes, pregnant people crave dirt because they need more iron.

How do doctors diagnose Pica?

Doctors might do some tests, like:

Blood tests to check for low iron or other vitamin problems; tests to see if there's blood in the poopX-rays to look for blockages in the stomach; tests to check for lead if someone has been eating paint chips

They also look at:

If the person has been eating non-food stuff for a month or more, or if they're eating things that aren't usually food; if they're eating non-food stuff even though they're too old for it; if they're eating different things depending on their age and if they're having health problems because of it,

What are the risks of Pica?

Eating non-food stuff can lead to:

not getting enough nutrients, even if you eat regular food, feeling sick with things like stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhoea, being hurt by toxic or dirty things you eat having serious problems like blockages in the stomach, lead poisoning, or infections

How is Pica treated?

Treatment depends on what's causing the problem and what problems it's causing. It might include:

Medicine for stomach problemsTherapy for mental health issuesVitamins or other supplements- Helping people learn to stop eating non-food stuff

Treatment can work differently for everyone. Some kids get better as they grow up, but others might need help into adulthood.

It's important to get help from doctors or therapists if you or someone you know has pica. They can figure out the best way to help.