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hi i m 22 yrs old and i hav a habit of eating slate pencils from my child hood and in the middle of my childhood i stopped eating till my 10 th standard.if every thing permits i eat 1 slate pencil a day.every time i think of it my mouth keeps watering as if to eat it.what are the side effects of this and what is the way to get rid of this.
Slate pencils contains 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 you need to take a healthy balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables.
So, kindly consult your General Physician for proper clinical evaluation. Wishing a good health. Take care.
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What Are Side Effects Of Eating Slate Pencils?
Hello dear, Slate pencils contains 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 you need to take a healthy balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables. So, kindly consult your General Physician for proper clinical evaluation. Wishing a good health. Take care.