![]() ![]() Keywords: pica, eating disorder, iron deficiency anaemia, case report. We are convinced that pica is an important pointer to iron deficiency and clinicians should suspect occult blood loss in a patient presenting with pica symptoms. Both our patients responded well to managing the primary cause of blood loss and iron supplementation. Both presented with haematological parameters diagnostic of iron deficiency anaemia.Ĭonclusion: Despite being practised for centuries, the clinical significance of pica symptoms is often not recognised particularly among the younger physicians. The second is 15- year old African girl who presented with bleeding from the nose, habitual smelling of soil, consuming ice packs and chewing rubber bands. The first is a 25-year old African woman with abnormal uterine bleeding presenting with a fondness for eating clay, cold drinks, and icepacks. We present two case reports with a somewhat unusual nature of presentation attributed to iron deficiency. I ntroduction: Pica is a mysterious condition characterised by patients developing cravings for non- nutritive substances that may escalate into serious medical complications. If you’re craving other nonfood things, ask them about how to treat the issue.Author(s): Azan A Nyundo (a), Godfrey Mwasada (b), Bonaventura C.T Mpondo (c)Ī Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Psychiatry), School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzaniaī Paradise Specialized Clinic, Mbeya, TanzaniaĬ Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Dodoma, Dodoma, TanzaniaĬorrespondence: Azan A Nyundo They can help ensure that you and your baby are getting the right nutrients for healthy growth and development. If you think you have pica, let your OB-GYN know right away - even if the only nonfood thing you crave is ice. In serious cases, pica can lead to other health complications like infections, stomach irritation, a blockage in your digestive tract, vomiting, and weight loss. They might also make you feel full, leading you to not eat enough of the nutritious food you and your baby need. It’s important to note that sometimes pica and nonfood cravings can be directly harmful to your health if you’re eating other nonfood things.įor example, eating nonfood items like paper, clay, or dirt can make you ill. However, the potential underlying cause of craving ice in pica - like anemia - might be harmful to you and your baby. ![]() If you’re just craving ice and enjoy munching on ice chips, this isn’t particularly risky for you and your baby (as long as you don’t chip a tooth!). Pica itself is not always harmful, but addressing its underlying causes can help prevent its associated risks. They also observed that many participants sought the nonfood items because they were appealing and felt the scent or taste helped alleviate their nausea. The researchers noted that some participants believed that the white clay and ice had nutritional value. The most common items consumed were white clay and ice. The study also found that 47.5 percent of the women had some form of pica during pregnancy. a history of or cultural exposure to eating nonfood items, such as eating clay as medicine in some cultures.poor nutrition or nutrient deficiencies.One study in 286 pregnant women in Ghana noted that pregnant women most at risk of pica may include those who have: If you’re pregnant, you’re at a higher risk of anemia from not getting enough iron or B vitamins. This issue may also arise if nausea and vomiting limit the amount of nutrients you’re taking in.Ī deficiency in important minerals like iron and zinc may trigger pica. Sometimes the increased demands of pregnancy may lead to a nutrient deficiency. Your body needs proper nutrition to support your pregnancy. One reason why your body might crave nonfood items is that you’re not getting adequate nutrient intake.ĭuring pregnancy, the foods you eat supply your own needs, as well as those of your growing baby. Some of its causes might explain why it’s more common in pregnant women. ![]()
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