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Pica

Protocols

Pica:

  • Pica is a mental health condition where a person compulsively swallows non-food items
  • Age: <6 years


Clinical Features:

  • Anemia (low iron).
  • Ascariasis (roundworm infection).
  • Constipation.
  • Electrolyte imbalance.
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
  • Lead poisoning.
  • Small intestine and large intestine obstruction/blockage.

 Common Pica item:

  • Ash.
  • Baby or talcum powder.
  • Chalk.
  • Charcoal.
  • Clay, dirt or soil.
  • Coffee grounds.
  • Eggshells.
  • Feces (poop) of any kind.
  • Hair, string or thread.
  • Ice.
  • Laundry starch.
  • Paint chips.
  • Paper.
  • Pebbles.
  • Pet food.
  • Soap.
  • Wool or cloth.

  সাধারণত বাচ্চা গুলো non food substance like কাদা, সিমে, কয়লা,পুড়া মাটি, পাউডার খায়। 

Rx: 

1. Antihelmitics

Syrp.Almex(Albedazole)(200mg/5ml )

Dose: 1st day & repeat after 7th day

  • 1-3 year = 1 TSF 
  • > 3 year = 2 TSF 

OR 

Syrp.Melphin (Pyrantel pamoate)(50mg/ml)

  • Dose: 11mg/kg/dose...1st day & repeat after 7th day

OR

Syrp. Solas (Mebendazole) (100mg/5ml)

  • 1-3 year = 1/2  TSF ...2 times for 3 days (পরপর তিন দিন। )
  • > 3 year = 1 TSF ...2 times for 3 days (পরপর তিন দিন। )

OR

Syrp.Etrax(Levimasole)(40mg/5ml)

  • 1-3 year = 1/2  TSF ...2 times for 3 days (পরপর তিন দিন। )
  • > 3 year = 1 TSF ...2 times for 3 days (পরপর তিন দিন। )

2. Syrp.Bicozin-I (Iron+B complex)

  • >6 months ....1 TSF ...BD.14 days

Prevention:

  • Spread awareness. Educate couples with kids regarding various healthy eating habits and about the disorder itself.
  • Pay attention to the diet. Give the child a healthy and nutritional diet.
  • Communication is the key. Effectively communicate with your child.
  • Routine evaluation is a must. Opt for a routine check-up with the doctor to diagnose any health conditions that could signal pica behaviour.
  • Go healthy. Encourage the child to eat healthy snacks and restraint when reaching for non-food items.
  • Know what to do. If any mental health issues are diagnosed, effectively involve in treating this issue, as neglecting it could lead to the development of pica.