Your doctor may order a blood test to check your child’s iron and zinc levels.These can check for possible anemia, look for toxins in the blood, and find blockages in the intestines. Pica is an eating disorder that involves eating items that are not typically thought of as food and that do not contain significant nutritional value, such as. Sometimes pica is diagnosed when patients have symptoms of intestinal obstruction (eg, severe cramping, constipation), lead poisoning, or parasitic infestation. In most cases, this will reduce cravings and help you transition to a normal, balanced. ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of pica and its characteristics among children with sickle cell disease.DesignRetrospective, observational study. Your medical team will start by testing for nutritional deficiencies, and you will be given appropriate vitamins to help.

Your doctor may order tests, such as blood tests or X-rays. Most likely, pica will be treated with a combination of healthy vitamins and supplements, and behavioral therapies to break the cravings.If the behavior has occurred for a month or more, your doctor may diagnose it as pica.If your child is in a high-risk group for pica (they have intellectual or developmental disabilities), your doctor may ask if you have seen your child eating nonfood items and for how long.These could include stomach upset or bowel problems. Your doctor will look at your child’s physical symptoms.

But a person diagnosed with pica repeatedly eats nonfood items, even if those items make them sick. Many typical children chew on things such as their nails and ice, or they mouth their toys and hair.

Pica disease