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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Get Rid Of Slate Pencil Eating Habit?

hiii.. my friend is having habit of eating slate pencils in large amount in a day since few years.....now he has become substance dependent as he is trying to quit he is started having withdrawal symptoms like headache , irritability,violent and craving......
Wed, 3 Sep 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello dear,

Slate pencils contain calcium carbonate which if taken in excessive amount can cause stone formation in kidneys.
The continuous craving for eating inedible substances (like chalk, 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 he needs to take a healthy balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables.

So, kindly consult your General Physician for proper clinical evaluation.
Wishing him good health.
Take care.
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How To Get Rid Of Slate Pencil Eating Habit?

Hello dear, Slate pencils contain calcium carbonate which if taken in excessive amount can cause stone formation in kidneys. The continuous craving for eating inedible substances (like chalk, 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 he needs to take a healthy balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables. So, kindly consult your General Physician for proper clinical evaluation. Wishing him good health. Take care.