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Pica and Sickle Cell Disease

Pica is an eating disorder that causes a person to crave and eat non-food items that have no nutritional value. It is more common in children and teens with sickle cell disease.

Reasons why your child may have pica

People with sickle cell disease have a higher rate of pica than the general population. Experts do not know why this happens. But cases have been linked to:

  • Low iron
  • Low body weight
  • Low hemoglobin
  • Poor nutrition
  • Lead poisoning
  • Problems with behavior
  • Family history of pica
  • Pregnancy

Signs your child has pica

If your child has pica, they will eat non-food items:

  • Paper
  • Styrofoam
  • Starch
  • Chalk
  • Crayons
  • Dirt or clay
  • Sponges
  • Hair
flour in a bowl and wooden spoon
Girl drawing rainbow on sidewalk with chalk
Child playing with pottery clay

Managing pica and sickle cell disease

If your child’s care team suspects your child has pica, they will check your child’s lead and iron levels. This helps them determine if your child has low iron or lead poisoning.

Your child might be referred to a psychologist or therapist if their levels are normal. A therapist can help your child learn how to manage pica.

Telling your child’s care team about pica

It is important to let your child’s care team know if you think your child has pica. Pica can cause health problems including:

  • Infection
  • Digestive tract blockage
  • Poisoning
  • Malnutrition
  • Teeth damage

Some of these health problems, such as blockages in the digestive tract and damaged teeth, can lead to surgery.

If you have questions or want to learn more about pica, talk with your child’s care team.

Key Points

  • Pica is an eating disorder that causes a person to crave non-food items that have no nutritional value.
  • Children and teens with sickle cell disease are more likely to develop pica.
  • Experts do not yet know why people with sickle cell disease are more likely to develop pica.
  • Pica can lead to other health problems like digestive tract blockages.
  • Talk to your child’s care team if you suspect they have pica.


Reviewed: August 2022