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Pica
System: Blood & Lymph Signs · All blood & lymph signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
A persistent craving to eat non-food substances such as ice, clay, soil, chalk or raw starch; compulsive ice-chewing is called pagophagia.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with iron deficiency, and also seen in pregnancy and some developmental conditions.
Related signs — Blood & Lymph Signs
Browse the P section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.