![]() ![]() Nutritional deficiencies, especially if paper replaces food items with nutritional valueĪlthough pica disorder isn’t avoidable, if you notice that a loved one has an affinity for nonfood items, take them to see a doctor right away.However, when it comes to eating paper, side effects may include: The symptoms of pica disorder vary depending on the nonfood item that was ingested. Generally, Xylophagia side effects include stomach pain, bloody stool, infections, disease, bowel problems, tooth problems, intestinal blockage and tearing, and lead poisoning, to name a few. Keep in mind that it’s normal for kids that are two years old or younger to stick things in their mouths, so this behavior isn’t considered unusual until the child is older than two. Stress (pica is often seen in children living in poverty or those who have suffered abuse and neglect)Īside from these, most cases of pica or paper-eating occur in children and pregnant women.Deficiencies in iron or zinc, which may trigger specific cravings.Malnutrition or hunger (nonfood items may provide a sense of fullness). ![]() Mental health disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or schizophrenia.Developmental disorders, such as autism or intellectual disabilities.Experts aren’t sure why people eat paper, but we do know that it’s more common in people with: If someone eats paper, it’s most likely because they have a pica eating disorder. Additionally, call 9-1-1 if you witness someone with pica choking or in severe pain or if you experience either of these yourself. If you recognize the signs of pica eating disorder in anyone, reach out for eating disorder treatment immediately. However, for the most part, people with this eating disorder tend to be malnourished. Most people with Xylophagia eat regular nutritional foods as well as inedible foods, so it might be difficult to recognize the signs of pica disorder in someone who also eats regular foods. Other symptoms of lead poisoning or poor nutrition.Infections (caused by germs or parasites from nonfood items like paint chips, feces, rocks, and more).An intestinal blockage (from eating nonfood items that can’t be digested and block the intestine).Lead poisoning (if they eat pencils or paint chips that contain lead).In addition to eating the nonfood items listed above, other pica eating disorder symptoms include: For someone to be diagnosed with pica, they must continue to eat nonfood items for at least one month.Ĭommon things that people with pica disorder eat include:Ī person with a pica eating disorder may also eat other nonfood items that aren’t on this list. Just because someone you know has eaten a nonfood item once before doesn’t mean they are to be diagnosed with Pica. Incidence of pica has also been linked to iron deficiency, zinc deficiency, and certain comorbid disorders like Kleine-Levin syndrome, intellectual disabilities, and schizophrenia. People with pica disorder or Xylophagia usually eat paper the most, but more severe cases of this condition do exist. Although pica disorder symptoms are usually temporary, if you notice that someone can’t help but eat nonfood items, speak to a doctor right away. Pica disorder may also occur in people who have intellectual disabilities. Globally, 25% to 33% of all pica cases involve small children, 20% are pregnant women, and 10% to 15% are people with learning disabilities. Pica disorder signs and symptoms present themselves most often in young children and pregnant women. ![]() When it comes to people who eat paper and other inedible items, serious health consequences, such as lead poisoning, can occur. A person with pica may eat harmless things with no nutrition, such as ice, or may eat potentially dangerous items, like flakes of dried paint, pieces of metal, wood, or paper. But why do people eat paper? What causes a craving for lead and rocks? What are the causes of pica disorder?Īlso referred to as Xylophagia, pica disorder is a type of eating disorder in which a person has a compulsive urge to eat or craving for things that have no nutritional value or aren’t edible. There are also various types of pica disorder - such as geophagia, pagophagia, and amylophagia - in which the person craves various non-food items. People with pica disorder have unusual cravings for inedible substances.Īlso referred to as Xylophagia, people with pica eating disorder may consume substances like pencils, tree bark, and paper. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |