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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Stop Eating Sponge?

Hi, I have a problem. I always have cravings for sponge like kitchen sponge, sponges that you would wash with. I eat them everyday, nobody knows about what I am doing. I m too scared because they might think I m weird. I have been eating them for like 3-4 years and I always have pains. How do I stop myself from eating more, because I m scared that I may be doing harm to my body. Please reply quick!
Thu, 26 Feb 2015
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Craving to eat inedible objects like sponge, chalk, wall paint etc is suggestive of iron deficiency in body.
Eating inedible objects like those mentioned above will lead to pain and discomfort in the stomach.
I suggest you to consult your physician for clinical assessment and complete hemogram with peripheral blood examination.
Complete hemogram and peripheral blood smear examination will determine level of anemia and type of anemia.
If iron deficiency anemia is detected, iron supplements have to be taken for at least 3 months.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
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How To Stop Eating Sponge?

Hello and welcome to HCM, Craving to eat inedible objects like sponge, chalk, wall paint etc is suggestive of iron deficiency in body. Eating inedible objects like those mentioned above will lead to pain and discomfort in the stomach. I suggest you to consult your physician for clinical assessment and complete hemogram with peripheral blood examination. Complete hemogram and peripheral blood smear examination will determine level of anemia and type of anemia. If iron deficiency anemia is detected, iron supplements have to be taken for at least 3 months. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri