HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Could Cause An Urge To Slate Pencils In An Adult?

i am 27yrs old married i often eat slate pencils, some how i like to eat them, i feeling like im enjoying eat, but im also worried that eating this, will cause any harm and am a healthy women i take nutritious food daily, plz help me now, if i can continue the same
Wed, 21 May 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello dear,

Though eating of slate pencils may not cause you any acute health issue per se (except may be episodic pain in abdomen), it can be a feature of an underlying pathological condition.
The continuous craving for eating inedible substances (like slate pencils) is known as Pica.
It is one of the features of Iron deficiency anemia.

Investigations like complete blood count & peripheral blood smear will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis.
Based on the reports, management will include administration of supplemental Iron & Folic acid preparations.
There can be associated factors like hookworm infection which needs to be managed with Albendazole preparations.
Also you need to take a healthy balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables.

So, kindly consult your General Physician for proper clinical evaluation.
Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
I find this answer helpful

2 Doctors agree with this answer


Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Could Cause An Urge To Slate Pencils In An Adult?

Hello dear, Though eating of slate pencils may not cause you any acute health issue per se (except may be episodic pain in abdomen), it can be a feature of an underlying pathological condition. The continuous craving for eating inedible substances (like slate pencils) is known as Pica. It is one of the features of Iron deficiency anemia. Investigations like complete blood count & peripheral blood smear will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis. Based on the reports, management will include administration of supplemental Iron & Folic acid preparations. There can be associated factors like hookworm infection which needs to be managed with Albendazole preparations. Also you need to take a healthy balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables. So, kindly consult your General Physician for proper clinical evaluation. Wishing you a good health. Take care.