Pica Cases Increasing

If you've never heard of pica, you're not alone. It's a medical disorder that's described by some as an eating disorder and considered by others as a mental health issue. Pica involves eating nonfood substances, such as dirt, clay, glue, Play Doh, and chalk. You may find this behavior pretty strange and rare. However, pica hospitalizations are actually climbing.

In 2009, there was a 93% increase of people with pica ending up in the hospital as compared to 10 years prior, 1999. This figure was reported by Rachel Rettner at the Live Science website as originating from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Now, you might be wondering what on earth is going on? Why are more people eating dirt and other stuff that's definitely not food? We'll get to that but first; let's cover some facts about pica.

Who Develops Pica?

As you might guess, children are more likely to engage in pica than adults. In fact, the American Pregnancy Association reports that up to 30% of children crave nonfood substances. Next, pregnant women have exhibited the disorder as well as people who have autism and other types of developmental disabilities, according to Rettner. In addition, people who suffer from mental illness might develop pica.

According to the American Pregnancy Association website, it's unclear why pregnant women would be eating nonfood substances. However, it's theorized that pregnancy triggers cravings of all kinds and that pica might be activated as a result of the pregnant body's cravings for additional vitamins and minerals that are not being obtained through normal eating.

If you've ever experienced a craving of any type over any period of time, no matter how brief, you understand how difficult it is to fight that craving. Can you imagine actually craving something that isn't food?

Why More Pica Cases Now?

Interestingly, how autism is diagnosed has changed. Plus, the fact that autism diagnoses in the US have increased to 1 case in every 110 children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), it stands to reason that more pica cases would follow. Succinctly, more people with autism equal more pica cases.

What are the Dangers of Pica?

Whenever a nonfood substance is eaten, the substance might very likely be unclean and harbor loads of icky bacteria that can make a person really sick or worse. Of course, there's no regulation or approval by the FDA for nonfood substances, so that would be another danger.

Particularly for pregnant women, pica can cause mother and baby to experience toxic reactions or develop parasites (American Pregnancy Association).

Can Pica be treated?

You'll find it fascinating that pica tends to extinguish, or die out, on its own. As quickly as it began, the cravings for nonfood items usually disappear. In the event a person is in the middle of his cravings when he comes to the attention of a doctor, nutritional deficiencies will be assessed and possibly treated through the use of vitamin supplements.

It's wise to suggest the person suffering from pica consistently have another person present who can ensure he eats no nonfood items until the cravings subside. In the event a person with pica is suffering from developmental disabilities, some medication and behavior programs may be prescribed to combat this unusual condition.

If you experience any urges to eat nonfood items, call your doctor as soon as possible. In the meantime, chew gum and ask your doctor if you should go ahead and begin taking vitamins and additional minerals right away.

Sources

American Pregnancy Association website

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

Rachel Rettner, "Dirt Eaters and other Pica Cases Nearly Double in Decade," Live Science website