Medical Definition of pica
: an abnormal craving for and eating of substances (as chalk, ashes, or bones) not normally eaten that occurs in nutritional deficiency states (as aphosphorosis) in humans or animals or in some forms of mental illness — compare geophagy.
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In this regard, what does the abbreviation PICA stand for?
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery
Also Know, what is the cause of pica? There’s no single cause of pica. In some cases, a deficiency in iron, zinc, or another nutrient may be associated with pica. For example, anemia, usually from iron deficiency, may be the underlying cause of pica in pregnant women.
Herein, what does pica mean in medical terms?
Medical Definition of Pica Pica: A craving for something that is not normally regarded as nutritive, such as dirt, clay, paper, or chalk. Pica is a classic clue to iron deficiency in children, and it may also occur with zinc deficiency.
How is pica diagnosed?
Your doctor will look at your child’s physical symptoms. If the behavior has occurred for a month or more, your doctor may diagnose it as pica. Your doctor may order tests, such as blood tests or X-rays. These can check for possible anemia, look for toxins in the blood, and find blockages in the intestines.
