Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Are The Side Effects Of Eating Terry Cloth Towels?
Question: What are the side effects of eating XXXXXXX cloth towels? I'm 44 and have been doing this for several years. I started with eating tissue and gradauated to eating towels. I know it's called pica and I'd like to stop. My iron is low. I've heard that could be causing my problem.
Brief Answer:
Considerations.
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
This could actually be a form of pica where your body is low on iron and you are naturally craving substances which may contain iron. Sometimes patients will actually eat dirt to satisfy iron requirements.
Regarding the side effects of eating cloth or towels this would mainly be concentrated around the Tower fibers possibly causing some type of intestinal obstruction.
I think it is clear that you need to contact her primary care doctor as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms. There may be a psychological component of this as well which can be explored. Your doctor can also check your iron levels and prescribe a supplement of iron which may help to decrease your cravings.
Thank you again for sending your question.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Considerations.
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
This could actually be a form of pica where your body is low on iron and you are naturally craving substances which may contain iron. Sometimes patients will actually eat dirt to satisfy iron requirements.
Regarding the side effects of eating cloth or towels this would mainly be concentrated around the Tower fibers possibly causing some type of intestinal obstruction.
I think it is clear that you need to contact her primary care doctor as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms. There may be a psychological component of this as well which can be explored. Your doctor can also check your iron levels and prescribe a supplement of iron which may help to decrease your cravings.
Thank you again for sending your question.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
