Pica: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pica?
A primary care doctor or a pediatrician, a doctor for children, is usually the first stop for pica. Pica is a pattern of eating things that are not food, such as dirt or paper. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is pica?
Pica is seen more in young children than in adults. Up to one third of children ages 1 to 6 years have these eating habits. Pica can also occur during pregnancy. Pica may also occur in adults who crave a certain texture in their mouth.
Symptoms
Children and adults with pica may eat animal feces, clay, dirt, hairballs, ice, paint, or sand. Children may also eat chalk, playdough, clothing, hair, or paper. This pattern of eating must last for at least 1 month to fit the diagnosis of pica.
Other symptoms depend on what is eaten and how much. They may include:
- Belly pain, nausea, and bloating caused by a blockage in the stomach or intestine
- Fatigue, or feeling very tired
- Behavior problems, school problems, and other signs of lead poisoning or poor nutrition
Causes and who gets it
In some cases, a lack of certain nutrients, such as iron and zinc, may trigger the unusual cravings. Low levels of iron or zinc are also thought to be linked with pica in children. Pica is also more common in children with learning difficulties. It is associated with autism spectrum disorder.
A child may also get a pleasurable feeling or sensory stimulation from eating non-food items. Most ingested items pass through the gut with no problem. Sometimes it can cause blockages in the gut, poisoning, constipation, infections, choking, and nutrition and dental problems. A bezoar is a mass of material that cannot be digested. It gets stuck, most often in the stomach. Infection and lead poisoning are other problems it can cause.
How doctors diagnose it
There is no single test for pica. Some people with pica lack certain nutrients, so a provider may test blood levels of iron and zinc. Blood tests can also be done to test for anemia, a shortage of healthy red blood cells. Lead levels should always be checked in children who may have eaten paint or lead paint dust, to screen for lead poisoning.
A provider may also test for infection if dirty soil or animal waste has been eaten. It helps to keep a record of what a child eats and share it with those involved in the child's care.
Treatment
Treatment should first fix any missing nutrients or other medical problems, such as lead poisoning. Treating pica involves changing behaviors, changing the home setting, and teaching the family. One treatment links the pica behavior to bad results. This is called mild aversion therapy. Then the person gets rewarded for eating normal foods. Medicines may help reduce the odd eating behavior if pica is part of a developmental disorder, such as intellectual disability.
For children, families can try several things at home:
- Keep non-food items that a child often tries to eat out of sight.
- Put locks on cabinets that hold possible pica objects.
- Vacuum floors daily to reduce items on the floor that a child might eat.
Treatment success varies. In many cases, the disorder lasts several months and then disappears on its own. In some cases, it may last into the teen years or adulthood, especially with developmental disorders.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you notice that your child or an adult is eating nonfood materials. Also tell your provider about belly pain, nausea, or bloating. These can be signs of a blockage in the stomach or intestine. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if a person has severe belly pain or pressure, severe or lasting vomiting, or trouble breathing. Do the same if a person is choking or has swallowed a poisonous substance.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can talk through your concerns, order blood tests when needed, and coordinate care with other experts.
Common questions
Does pica go away on its own?
In many cases, pica lasts several months and then disappears on its own. Treatment success varies.
Is it pica when a baby puts things in the mouth?
No, because babies under 18 months explore things by mouthing and sometimes swallowing them. For this reason, pica is not diagnosed before age 2.
Which nutrients are linked to pica?
A lack of certain nutrients, such as iron and zinc, may trigger the unusual cravings in some cases. A provider may test blood levels of iron and zinc, and may test for anemia.
Can pica be prevented?
There is no specific prevention for pica, but getting adequate nutrition may help.
How can I help keep a child with pica safe at home?
You can keep non-food items that the child often tries to eat out of sight and put locks on cabinets that hold them. Vacuuming floors daily can reduce items on the floor that a child might eat.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
