Pica is an eating disorder that causes people to repeatedly crave or eat non-food items, such as dirt, paper, chalk, or hair. These urges can be strong and hard to control. Some people also crave and chew large amounts of ice. This is a type of pica and is often linked to iron deficiency.
Pica is different from how babies and toddlers explore by putting things in their mouth.
Pica is most common in young children, pregnant women, and people with certain developmental, mental health, or medical conditions. It is sometimes linked to low iron or zinc levels or other nutrition problems.
Pica can sometimes lead to serious health problems, including choking, digestive problems, infection, or poisoning.
Tell your care team if your child has these cravings or eats non-food items. Your care team can work with you to create a treatment plan based on your child’s needs.
Keep a record of your child’s eating behaviors to help your care team understand the problem. Write down:
- What non-food items your child eats
- When the behavior happens
- How often it happens
- Any symptoms or health problems afterward
Pica can cause symptoms and health problems. The problems depend on what your child eats and how much they eat.
These symptoms and conditions include:
- Choking
- Poisoning, including lead poisoning
- Injuries to the mouth, teeth, stomach, or intestines
- Blockage in the stomach or intestines
- Infection
- Belly pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Anemia
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Changes in behavior
- Problems at school
Experts do not know the exact cause of pica. It is more common in people who have certain medical conditions or other risk factors, including:
- Sickle cell disease
- Low levels of certain nutrients, such as iron and zinc
- Conditions that affect development, such as autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability
- Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or schizophrenia
- Pregnancy
- Stress or life challenges that affect a child’s health, safety, or nutrition
Pica and Sickle Cell Disease
Pica is more common in people with sickle cell disease than in the general population. Experts do not know exactly why. Pica may be linked to anemia, low zinc levels, or other factors related to nutrition or how the body works. Talk to your care team if your child has sickle cell disease and craves or eats non-food items. Your care team can check for possible causes and help make a treatment plan.
Your child’s health care provider may diagnose pica if your child regularly eats non-food items and the behavior:
- Lasts at least 1 month
- Is not usual for your child’s age or stage of development
- Is not part of accepted culture or social practice
Your health care provider might order tests to check for complications or possible causes of pica. Depending on what your child has been eating, the provider may check for low iron, lead poisoning, or other health problems.
These tests include:
- Blood tests for levels of iron, zinc, and lead
- Stool (poop) tests to check for parasites
- Urine (pee) tests to check for chemical exposure and kidney function
- Imaging tests to look for bowel problems, such as blockage
A mental health professional may also meet with your child and family. They can help the care team better understand whether pica may be related to development, stress, or a mental health condition. This information can help your care team recommend treatment and support.
People with pica have strong urges to eat non-food items and may have a hard time stopping their behavior without treatment and support.
Your child’s treatment plan will depend on:
- The type of non-food items they eat
- How often the behavior occurs
- How long the behavior has been happening
- Underlying causes or risk factors
- Health problems that develop because of pica
Treatments for pica may include:
- Behavioral therapy to help your child manage cravings and behaviors
- Changes at home or school to limit access to non-food items
- Counseling or psychotherapy to help your child cope with stress, anxiety, or mental health conditions
- Nutrition counseling with a dietitian
- Medical treatment to address possible underlying causes of pica and other health problems
Treatment looks different for each child. If pica is linked to low iron levels or other health conditions, treating those problems may help. Some children may improve quickly. Others may need long-term support.
Seek medical help right away if you think your child has eaten something poisonous, sharp, or otherwise dangerous. Also seek help if they have trouble breathing, severe vomiting or belly pain, or signs of choking. Do not try to make your child vomit unless Poison Help or your care team tells you to.
Contact your local poison center or emergency services for immediate guidance.
In the United States, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or visit poisonhelp.org for expert guidance.
Call 911 or your local emergency number if your child is having trouble breathing, is choking, or is unconscious.
Questions to ask your care team
