Pica syndrome in children: A strange disease that you should know

Young children are very curious, so they often put foreign objects in their mouths. This is perfectly normal, but if you regularly eat inedible items such as sand, chalk ... your child can develop Pica syndrome, an eating disorder. Pica syndrome can lead to many health problems. Therefore, early detection and prevention of Pica syndrome in young children are essential.

During pregnancy, pregnant mothers often have cravings, especially cravings for foreign objects such as soil, sand, chalk, ash ... This is a sign that pregnant mother has Pica syndrome . Children are also likely to have this syndrome. There are many causes of Pica syndrome in children. Most often, Pica syndrome is associated with mineral and vitamin deficiencies as well as mental health problems.

Pica syndrome in young children

Pica syndrome is an eating disorder characterized by a condition in which children frequently eat non-food items such as dirt, sand, paper, paint, chalk, hair, wood ... This condition can lead to problems. digestive problems and growth retardation. If it lasts for a long time, this syndrome can harm a child's development.

With children with Pica syndrome, they will be beyond the usual curiosity. If your child is 18 to 24 months old, starting to have a tendency to crave and insist on non-food foods lasting 1 month or more, you should think about this syndrome.

Causes of Pica syndrome in children

Children with Pica syndrome can be caused by:

Deficiency of minerals such as zinc or iron (hookworm disease or Celiac disease can also be the cause)

Have mental health problems such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia

Damage in the brain

Children are neglected by their parents and therefore want to seek attention.

Symptoms of Pica syndrome in young children

Here are some of the symptoms of Pica syndrome you may see in your child:

Children eat items that are not food repeatedly

This behavior lasts for a month or more.

How is Pica syndrome diagnosed in children?

There is no specific test used to diagnose this condition. Doctors will make a diagnosis based on a number of factors related to the child's medical history as well as habits. Therefore, you need to be honest about objects other than food that your child is eating and when he or she begins to have this behavior. If the habit persists for more than a month, the child may have Pica syndrome.

In addition, your doctor may also recommend a blood test to check for iron and zinc levels. Iron deficiency can lead to Pica syndrome. In addition, you should also take your child for regular health checkups to control malnutrition status in children.

Complications of Pica syndrome in young children

Pica disorder can harm children and lead to many complications such as:

Lead poisoning leads to imbalances in the body (leading to kidney, cardiovascular and nerve defects)

Complications related to digestion ( constipation , parasitic infections)

Nutritional deficiencies (especially iron and zinc deficiencies). Even eating dirt and sand with animal feces can be fatal

Affect oral health. Chipped teeth, even affecting the jawbone.

Treatment of Pica syndrome in young children

If a child has Pica syndrome due to an imbalance in nutrients, doctors give him mineral and vitamin supplements. In addition, there are a number of other treatments such as:

Therapy, medication, or a combination of the two if Pica's syndrome is caused by a mental health problem.

Child neglect is also a cause of this syndrome. Therefore, parents should spend more time talking with their children.

Place items other than food that your baby wants to eat in a locked cupboard or out of reach.

Avoid negative behaviors such as punishing children when they want to eat objects other than food.

Prevention of Pica syndrome in young children

There is currently no specific way to prevent Pica syndrome. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize and promptly detect this situation:

Learn about other healthy eating habits and common eating disorders

Pay attention to the child's diet, make sure they have a healthy and nutritious diet

Talk to your children often

Regularly take your child for regular checkups to find out if he or she is having any illness or not

Encourage your child to eat healthy snacks and not eat foods that are not food

Pay attention to your child's mental health. Without heeding this, the child can develop Pica syndrome

Explain the dangers of eating non-foods to your child.

When should I take my child to the doctor?

You should see a doctor as soon as you suspect that your child has Pica syndrome. This syndrome can cause dental problems, infections, digestive problems and intoxication.

Some children get rid of this symptom easily while others have to resort to medical help to alleviate the condition. During the treatment process, you need to be patient and should continuously motivate your child for effective treatment.

Always be with them and let them feel your love. This will help your child overcome obstacles in life.