Medindia
Browse this site with No Ads Register
Medindia » Disease & Condition

What are the Symptoms of Pica?

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nithin Jayan, MBBS, DNB on Sep 12, 2012


What are the Symptoms of Pica?

Although pica substances can be categorized into uncooked food and non-food substances, pica individuals do not make any such distinctions. Specific patterns have been observed by those engaged in pica research and is mentioned below:


The symptoms of pica depend on the stage at which it is diagnosed. Some commonly observed clinical symptoms include vague abdominal pain, non-specific gastroenteritis and recurrent vomiting. Left untreated and unattended, it can even lead to disorders associated with the central nervous system such as drowsiness, coma, seizures and brain damage. The renal system is also frequently affected.

Perforation of the intestine, obstruction of the intestine, dental injury, infection by parasites and constipation are some of the well known complications of pica.

The study of human pica is challenging. Similar to alcoholism, the consumption of nonfood items is difficult to diagnose only by means of an interview. More often, the condition is highlighted when the sufferer is X-rayed for other medical reasons.

References:

  1. Young SL, Wilson MJ, Miller D, Hillier S. Toward a comprehensive approach to the collection and analysis of pica substances, with emphasis on geophagic materials. PLoS One. 2008; 3:e3147. PMID: 18773081 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
  2. Danford DE. Pica and nutrition. Annu Rev Nutr. 1982; 2:303-22. PMID: 6764733. [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE].

Cite this Article

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Dr. Varshini Jayaraman. (2012, September 12). What are the Symptoms of Pica?. Medindia. Retrieved on Dec 25, 2024 from https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/what-are-the-symptoms-of-pica.htm.

  • MLA

    Dr. Varshini Jayaraman. "What are the Symptoms of Pica?". Medindia. Dec 25, 2024. <https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/what-are-the-symptoms-of-pica.htm>.

  • Chicago

    Dr. Varshini Jayaraman. "What are the Symptoms of Pica?". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/what-are-the-symptoms-of-pica.htm. (accessed Dec 25, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Dr. Varshini Jayaraman. 2012. What are the Symptoms of Pica?. Medindia, viewed Dec 25, 2024, https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/what-are-the-symptoms-of-pica.htm.

View Non AMP Site | Back to top ↑