Hello,
Thanks for trusting healthcaremagic!
I have gone through your query and I can understand your concerns.
As per your description your wife is having a peculiar eating disorder termed as "pica".
She needs a detailed evaluation and multidisciplinary treatment approach for complete cure. This kind of eating habit can cause multiple problems like appendicitis,
intestinal obstruction and anemia. It can not be cured by a single medicine.
I suggest you to
consult a psychiatrist and get the following things done,she need evaluation by a
general surgeon and a physician also.
1.Do a
complete blood count to look for
iron deficiency anemia,If she is anemic iron supplimentation may be needed.
2.An ultrasound abdomen is mandatory.
3.A detailed psychiatric evaluation is needed by team of psychiatrists.
4.CBT(cognitive behavioral therapy) is highly effective for this condition.
5.Long term treatment by antidepressive drugs may be needed in some cases.
You have to provide mental support and care to her. Do not scold or humiliate her.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards.
Dr.Shinas Hussain