Pica
A craving for non-food items such as ice, dirt, or clay, which can be a sign of iron deficiency.
Conditions associated with pica
The following conditions have been associated with pica in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Tests providers may use to investigate pica
When investigating pica, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Cbc, Cmp, Ua, Thyroid, & Lipid Health Tests
Our standard health test panel includes thyroid testing, a CBC, CMP, Urinalysis, & Lipid Panel. These lab test...
Complete Blood Count Test Cbc Test With Differential
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test helps to give an overall view of general health and screens for a broad scop...
Ferritin Testing Labs - Determine Low Or High Iron Levels
Ferritin blood tests are often ordered in to evaluate for iron deficiencies or surpluses. High levels of ferri...
Total Iron Binding Capacity Tibc Test
Our Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Test includes an Iron Test & is used to see if there is too much or too...
Vitamin & Nutritional Testing
HealthLabs.com offers fast, easy and affordable vitamin tests and mineral tests. No insurance or doctor's note...
Symptoms commonly seen alongside pica
Alopecia
A noncongenital process of hair loss, which may progress to partial or complete baldness....
Brittle Nails
Nails that split, chip, or break easily, which can be related to nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, o...
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling only the patient can rate, e.g., on a Borg sca...
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Headache
Cephalgia, or pain sensed in various parts of the head, not confined to the area of distribution of any nerve....
Pale Skin
Unusually light or pale skin that can be a sign of anemia, reduced blood flow, or low blood pressure....
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if pica is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom pica mean?
Pica is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. A craving for non-food items such as ice, dirt, or clay, which can be a sign of iron deficiency.
Which conditions are associated with pica?
Pica has been reported in association with 1 condition in the medical literature we index, including Iron Deficiency. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about pica?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.