Symptoms:

Children and adults with pica may eat:

• Animal feces
• Clay
• Dirt
• Hairballs
• Ice
• Paint
• Sand

This pattern of eating should last at least 1 month to fit the diagnosis of pica.

Signs and tests:

There is no single test that confirms pica. However, because pica can occur in people who have lower than normal nutrient levels and poor nutrition (malnutrition), the health care provider should test blood levels of iron and zinc.

Hemoglobin can also be checked to test for anemia. Lead levels should always be checked in children who may have eaten paint or objects covered in lead-paint dust. The health care provider should test for infection if the person has been eating contaminated soil or animal waste.