Caregivers must remain conscious regarding the physical and mental health of the child. The children may not be able to convey their problems effectively to their parents. Hence, prioritizing their needs can help in development. Individuals who notice their child exhibiting symptoms of an eating disorder must consult a child specialist in Lahore.
Pica is an eating disorder that mainly affects children. The child consumes food with no nutritional value, such as soil, hair, chalk, paper, etc. The symptoms of pica are:
- The child has an irrational urge to eat things with no nutritional value. They enjoy the texture and taste of the objects.
- The child suffers from constant abdominal pain, which worsens with time.
- The child may experience the feeling of nausea, which can lead to discomfort. Also, the child vomits and suffers from bloating.
- The child is at a higher risk of suffering from food poisoning.
- The child remains lethargic due to poor dietary intake.
The known causes of pica include:
- Cultural practices such as playing with soil and clay can cause the child to become fascinated. It can lead to binge eating them. It affects their physical health and may lead to neurological changes due to nutrient deficiency.
- Children with mineral deficiency are more likely to suffer from pica and related complications. The low pdf zinc and hemoglobin can lead to pica.
- Individuals suffering from mental disorders such as OCD and schizophrenia are more likely to suffer from eating disorders such as pica.
The preventative measures that help decrease the chances of pica are:
- The caregivers should monitor their child’s activities. It can help in early diagnosis.
- The caregivers should not provide the child with access to soil and clay to avoid complications.
The complications that correlate with pica are:
- The child consumes objects with no nutritional value that can cause lead poisoning.
- The child is at a higher risk of suffering from infections due to the consumption of unhealthy stuff. Also, it weakens the immune system, which can lead to multiple physical health complications.
- The objects can affect oral health and cause dental injuries.
- The child is at a higher risk of suffering from intestinal obstruction and constipation.
- The child struggles to make friends as it can lead to anxiety. The child is at a higher risk of suffering from other mental disorders.
- Nutritional deprivation can cause a chemical imbalance in the body and cause brain damage.
The tests that help in diagnosing a child with pica are:
- Imaging Test: The x-ray will help intestinal abnormalities due to consumption of inappropriate substances. The test will help identify the exact cause of abdominal pain.
- Blood Test: The testing will help detect the deficiencies and impact of the substances on physical health. The test will help assess the level of toxicity in the body.
- Patient History: The patient history will help the specialist detect the causes and understand the severity of the condition.
The effective treatment options that help the child suffering from pica include:
- Use of Supplements: The child is more likely to suffer from malnourishment due to unhealthy dietary intake. The caregivers may notice slow physical and cognitive development due to nutrient deficiency. Hence, it is necessary to give the child supplements to provide the body with nutrients that can help in organ functioning.
- Psychotherapy: The specialist will help the child understand the impact of their behavior on their social life. Also, the therapy will allow the child to understand the effect on mental and physical health. Talk therapy and CBT will help the child to change their behavior and eat healthy food items with nutritional value.
- The caregivers must understand the condition of the child. They must focus on how to overcome iron and zinc deficiency. They must include green vegetables and meat in their diet by reinforcing them with things they like.
Caregivers can discuss their child’s condition with a competent and reliable specialist at Ali Medical Centre for guidance regarding the most effective and latest treatment options.