Pica

 

PICA sufferers obsessively consume foods with minimal nutritional value. A person with the condition might consume relatively safe foods, such as ice. They may destroy potentially harmful objects like metal or dried paint flakes. In the latter scenario, the disease may have detrimental effects like lead poisoning. Children and pregnant women are the groups most frequently affected by this condition. Typically, it is transient. If you or your child is compelled to consume non-food items, consult a doctor as soon as possible. You can avoid potentially harmful side effects with treatment.

 

Introduction:

 

Pica can be natural, expected, and harmless, depending on when and why a person does it. If a person with this illness eats something toxic or hazardous, it could lead to severe issues. Pika, pronounced “PIKE-ah,” derives its name from the Eurasian magpie, whose scientific name is Pica pika. This bird is known for consuming odd things.

Pica is a relatively widespread condition, but specialists are unsure of its exact prevalence. This is partially because different research papers frequently define this illness differently. It’s also typical for medical professionals to overlook the disease completely. This is possible when people conceal it from their doctor or fail to report symptoms in their children. Another factor is that young children and newborns frequently put objects in their mouths during normal development. This form of pika typically disappears quite rapidly on its own.

PICA causes an individual to constantly consume foods that are not edible and lack any nutrients. People with this illness struggle to suppress the impulse independently since it is compulsive. Depending on a person’s non-food item(s), pika can have various impacts. Pica is safe for those who consume foods like ice, which is typical behavior for pregnant women. Even when you consume non-toxic foods, it can result in harmful issues.

 

Causes and Symptoms:

 

The exact cause of PICA is unknown. A lack of iron, zinc, or another nutrient may occasionally be linked to pika. In particular, anemia, which frequently comes about because of inadequate iron levels, is the true origin of pika in pregnant women. Your body may try replenishing low nutritional levels if you have odd cravings. Pica is a coping mechanism that some people with specific mental health issues, such as schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), may develop. Some people could even adore and long for the flavors or textures of specific non-food products. Geophagia is the name given to this type of pika.

 

People who have PICA frequently consume nonfood items. For the behavior to be considered pika, it must last at least a month. When you’re having pika, you might often eat things like:

• Ice
• Soap
• Buttons
• Clay
• Hair
• Dirt
• Sand
• Cigarette ashes
• Paint
• Glue
• Chalk
• Feces

 

Homeopathic Treatment for Pica:

 

Pica sufferers can find a natural cure via homeopathy. Some of the desires (included below) and mild to moderate cases of PICA without major complications are advised to be treated with homeopathic medications. Depending on the type of craving and accompanying symptoms, a different homeopathic treatment is chosen for each situation. For people of all ages, they are helpful. After a thorough case analysis, it is advisable to take any homeopathic medication for treating pica under the guidance of a homeopathic doctor. 

• It is at the top of the list of homeopathic treatments for cases of pica. Its use is advised chiefly for those who frequently consume non-food items, including chalk, dirt, sand, slate, and coal. Next, they can develop a taste for eating pencils. Where this drug is needed, there may also be a desire to eat raw potatoes, as well as a need for flour and soap.
• The subsequent, highly recommended treatment for the desire to ingest indigestible items is alumina. People craving charcoal, tea or coffee grounds, or chalk may benefit from using them. Next, it is employed when there is a desire to consume dry rice or white rags. Constipation may occur in situations where it is necessary. The constipation is severe; even if the feces are soft, they must be passed with tremendous effort. The person doesn’t pass stool every day and doesn’t feel the need to until there is a significant buildup.
• People who require Cina have pale features, bluish lips, and black circles under their eyes. They can also complain about twisted pain around the navel. The abdomen might occasionally experience cramping and pinching pain. Children who require this medication exhibit significant irritability. They are pretty angry and constantly want to be carried.
• Silicea is advantageous for people who want to eat mud. They experience appetite loss, and they dislike eating cooked food. Constipation could be a side effect of this. Passing the stool is quite challenging in this place. When partially ejected from the anus, the stool moves backward in the rectum. Following the passage of stool, the anus experiences burning and stinging. The abdomen may also feel tight, swollen, and distended. Where this medication is needed, there may be a propensity for excessive head and foot sweating.
• When a distinct desire to eat sand, uncooked food, or ashes is present, Tarentula Hispanica is advised. Additionally, there is a decline in appetite and refusal to consume. There may also be a painful burning sensation in the abdomen. The area around the navel can occasionally be painfully sensitive.
• Cicuta is an effective medication for people who enjoy and crave eating charcoal and chalk. It has become impossible to distinguish between edible and inedible objects. Vomiting, distension, and stomach pain may also accompany this.
• Constipation with an ineffective urge to urinate is a common accompanying symptom of using Nux Vomica. Here, despite having frequent urination urges, the person only passes a small amount of stool at once. It doesn’t take long for the urge for stool to return following bowel movement. An abdominal feeling of weight accompanies this ache. Eating tends to make this worse. Touch sensitivity extends to the area of the stomach. Other accompanying symptoms include stomach bloating, nausea, and vomiting with excessive retching.