Patient's question:
The child is now three years old. A year ago, they already disliked eating soil and paper. The situation has become a bit severe now. They show intense cravings for these things. After a thorough medical check-up, it was found that the child is deficient in trace elements, but the prescribed medication is refused by the child. What should I do now?Previous treatment history and effectiveness: The child has been treated before, but it had no effect. The child is now eating a bit more, and I want to know how to treat it.
Doctor's answer:
The child has pica, which is an eating disorder characterized by persistent chewing of non-nutritive substances such as soil, dirt, stones, rubber bands, and paper. It can lead to complications like lead poisoning, intestinal obstruction, and intestinal parasites. It is often accompanied by decreased appetite and picky eating. It is more common in infants and young children aged 1.5 to 6 years, with boys being more affected than girls.Advice: If you notice signs of pica, seek medical attention promptly. Follow the doctor's recommendations for treatment and avoid any prejudice, discrimination, or hatred toward the child. The main treatment methods are psychological therapy and behavioral therapy.
The above advice is for the question "How to treat a child who loves to eat soil, stones, and paper." I hope it helps. Wishing you good health!