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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Craving For Ice?

i have recently been having massive cravings for ice. what i do is fill my cup entirely with crushed ice put some water in it and just chew the ice while drinking water. ever since these ice cravings i have headaches everyday. what could be the cause of all this? im 17 5'2 and 120 lbs my family has a history of anemia from my mothers side
Mon, 14 Jul 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello dear,

Though eating of crushed ice may not cause you any acute health issue per se (except may be episodic headache or common cold), it can be a feature of an underlying pathological condition.
The continuous craving for eating such inedible substances is known as Pica.
It is one of the features of Iron deficiency anemia.
Given the history that your family has a history of anemia from mother's side, it further substantiates the diagnosis.

Investigations like complete blood count & peripheral blood smear will be helpful in assessment of degree of anemia.
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 you a good health.
Take care.
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What Causes Craving For Ice?

Hello dear, Though eating of crushed ice may not cause you any acute health issue per se (except may be episodic headache or common cold), it can be a feature of an underlying pathological condition. The continuous craving for eating such inedible substances is known as Pica. It is one of the features of Iron deficiency anemia. Given the history that your family has a history of anemia from mother s side, it further substantiates the diagnosis. Investigations like complete blood count & peripheral blood smear will be helpful in assessment of degree of anemia. 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 you a good health. Take care.