If it is an iron deficiency causing this eating behavior, the doctor will prescribe iron supplements. Treatment for pica involves removing the object or substance being eaten from the diet. Since pica is associated with iron deficiency anemia, children with pica can receive an iron supplement meant to reduce pica c This can be harmful to their health if they are not getting the nutrition they need for average growth and development. Once pica starts, it may continue and become a habit that your child cannot stop. The good news is many times pica goes away by itself. If pica continues, it should be treated as soon as possible to keep the child safe from serious health risks. There are no set criteria for pica diagnosis because pica is a symptom of another problem, not a disorder in itself.

Accordingly, a doctor will observe the behavior patterns of pica eating. The doctor may use tests like X-rays and blood tests to check for anemia and look for toxins and other substances in the blood. The medical evaluation of pica suspected may include potential infection by anemia, intestine blockages, and possible toxic effects. Pica may cause some children to become aggressive because they cannot control their impulses due to nutritional deficiency. Some pica cravings can put your child at risk of seizures or other neurological issues. For example, a child may act hyperactive and become more impulsive. Pica can cause children to engage in disruptive behaviors. It also raises a childвЂ™s risk of becoming sick from chemicals that may be on these objects. 6- InfectionД¬an increase the risk of infection from bacteria and viruses found in feces or garbage, for example. Not being able to digest food properly can lead to diarrhea. 4- UlcersД®ating nonfood items can scrape and tear the lining of your childвЂ™s mouth, leading to ulcers. 3- NauseaД®ating substances that arenвЂ™t food can cause nausea. This can lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. 2- Intestine BlockagesДЄ common pica-related injury is a blockage in the intestines. Your child may seem tired and listless if they are not getting the nutrients they need to function. Here is a list of common symptoms 1- Tiredness Symptoms of pica can vary based on the childвЂ™s age and on what the child is digesting. This can be why it is common in children with autism because they are often picky eaters, which can cause a lack of proper nutrition. Iron deficiency anemia or malnutrition are two of the most commonly cited reasons for pica in any child. Others suggest it may be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Some experts believe that individuals with autism seek sensory stimulation, and pica is one outlet for this desire. There is no clear-cut answer to this question. Pica was once thought to be a symptom of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) and AspergerвЂ™s syndrome but has been more recently recognized as psychologically-based eating behavior and is commonly found in children on the autism spectrum. вЂ“ Swallowing items that the body canвЂ™t digest, such as coins or toys вЂ“ Eating substances of no significant nutritional value like chalk, plastic, paper products (i.e., Styrofoam), pencil erasers, buttons вЂ“ Eating cigarette ashes or burnt matches Young children that have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are often found to have pica.Д®xamples of pica eating behaviors include: Pica eating disorder is a condition that causes a person to eat nonfood substances compulsively. In this article, you will learn what pica is, why your child might have developed this habit, and how you can help them overcome it. While there is a lot of information on pica, itвЂ™s hard for parents to find reliable information about the causes of this behavior and how they can treat it. Such as eating dirt, paint or wood glue, etc. Pica is a condition where children consume nonfood items of no nutritional value.

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