While scrolling the ever-so-tempting reels, we came across a video of a person eating a brick and enjoying it. Curious to know more, we wanted to understand what causes a person to enjoy such nonfood items.
We have heard of people eating dirt as a kid or sometimes women in households eating Multani Mitti once in a while.
Understanding Pica: Unusual Cravings & Coping Mechanism
The patients of Pica have sudden and sometimes uncontrollable cravings to eat nonfood items like Ice, soap, buttons, clay, hair, dirt, and sand.
Some people also eat the unused remainder of a cigarette, cigarette ashes, paint, glue, chalk, and even feces.
The Nutrient Connection: Pregnant Women & Anemia
The exact cause of Pica is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a coping mechanism, particularly in individuals with nutrient deficiencies. Pregnant women and children with anemia are more prone to this condition, as their bodies may be seeking specific nutrients they lack.
Mental Health & Pica
Moreover, Pica can also be observed in people dealing with mental health conditions like OCD and schizophrenia. In such cases, the consumption of nonfood items might serve as a way to cope with emotional distress.
The Dangers of Lead Poisoning
One of the most severe complications of Pica is lead poisoning. Some individuals may unknowingly consume scraps of metal or lead-containing substances, leading to life-threatening health issues.
Treatment Options: Iron Supplements & Chelation Therapy
There are cures for this disease, wherein a doctor post diagnosis of your nutrient levels will provide you with Iron supplements or in severe cases like lead poisoning will give you medications that bind with lead and exacerbate via urine and sometimes might prescribe you chelation therapy.
The most important part though is to let the patient understand the disease via a proper diagnosis and the possible future complications of Pica disease. When the patient is aware, it helps to treat it faster.
At NirogGyan, we believe in patient engagement and empowerment. Our mission is to make diagnostic lab reports patient-friendly and easy to understand, fostering a more informed approach to healthcare.
