My 2 1/2 year old son has been eating wood, drywall and paint for almost a year. We noticed that he had chewed almost completely through a spindle on his crib when he was about 20 months. When we moved him to his new room with a "big boy" bed, at about 22 months, he chewed a big hunk of drywall and paint out of the window sill. He only did it that one time. Just recently, he's started gnawing at it again, in multiple areas. Is this normal? Is it PICA? I have a call into the nurse but I'm wondering if any of you have experienced this.
Well, we took him to the doctor this morning. Blood work is fine - his iron was normal. They sent us over for an xray just to be sure they're no blockages and also to check for anything else he might have eaten. We're waiting on those results.
No that doesn't sound normal to me. There is some kind of sickness that causes them to do that but don't know what it is. I would definitely talk to my pediatrician. IMMEDIATELY! That could be so dangerous for him. That needs to stop. Find out what the problem is and take care of it quick
Sounds like he's mineral deficient. Animals do it all the time but farmers figured out that by supplementing their diets, it stops. My daughter has been taking liquid mineral supplements since she was a baby and I can share more about that if you want to send me a note. This product also worms them or rids them of parasites whichever you want to refer to it as. Kids often call the supplement "Superman Juice". ;-)
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Hi J.,
What I'm about to tell you is gross and many will dismiss this because it's not something we like to hear. I've recently been reading about human parasites and recall reading that eating bizarre things can sometimes mean a parasitic infection. I realize it sounds crazy but nearly 80-90% of humans have parasites and don't realize it. I can't find the article with that specific symptom listed but these are some of the many symptoms that parasites can cause.
Parasite Signs, Adults, Children
Allergies, Many allergies are caused by worm infections. Tissue becomes inflamed and reactions to foods are the result when eosinophils (white blood cells) are increased due to them. Extreme skin rashes with blisters and food allergies or sensitivities may result.
Anemia, Worms leach nutrients from bodies causing anemia. When they are present in large numbers, they can create enough blood loss to cause anemia or iron deficiency in some people.
Constipation, Some worms can obstruct certain organs like the colon causing constipation, liver and the bile duct.
Diarrhea, Most of the time diarrhea is nature's way of removing toxins.
Fatigue, Symptoms include tiredness, flue-like symptoms, apathy, depression and lack of concentration.
Gas and Stomach Bloating, Some parasites live in the upper intestine, which can cause both gas and stomach bloating.
Immune Dysfunction, Parasites depress the immune system by decreasing immunoglobulin.
Nervousness, The waste products from parasites irritate the nervous system, resulting in anxiety and restlessness.
Other Signs of Parasites in Children
Blisters appear on the inside of the lower lip, wiping of the nose, restlessness and grinding of the teeth at night, dark circles under the eyes, hyperactive, bed wetting, headaches, sensitive to light, twitching eyelid, gum, rectum, or nose bleeding are signs they may have parasites.
You may want to consider trying this product to see if the symptoms subside. http://www.mountainmeadowherbs.com/pararid-p-79.html I have learned that parasite testing is highly inaccurate and many receive negative results when they indeed have parasites.
I am throwing this information out there because I've recently learned that my dd has parasites. She had been plagued by dark circles under her eyes, an itchy nose and adbominal pain(all clear symptoms). We've been dealing with doctors and specialists, blood work, various testing (all with negative results) for the past 7 months...exhausting, time consuming and a waste of money. Not one of them mentioned parasites.
I feel fortunate to have learned about parasites and have started my daughter on a supplement & cleanse. Since starting this, her abdominal pain is gone and the dark circles are diminishing. Since reading more about they symptoms parasites cause I'll do the cleanse for our entire family to see if symptoms we are exhibiting subside before paying a medical professional to give me the run around again.
I hope you find answers for your little man. My 21 month old has a thing for side walk chalk so I know this is frustrating. I'll let you know if that subsides after her cleanse.
Peace,
J.
That is NOT normal (tho eating pets' food and feces seems to be according to the mothers I know). I would also be thinking pica and would have him tested. Speak with your pediatrician about it when you can.
Good luck!
My son chewed on his crib and bed. He did it because of anxiety or boredom. Now he doesn't do it anymore because I taught him other ways to manage stress and he plays with Lego's. It may be something as simple as that.
Good luck, J.
Your son could be anemic
If you haven't already, you should get lead testing done in case he has eaten any lead paint. I hope you are able to get some answers from the doctor, I'm at a loss. Good luck.
Sound like PICA. you need to take him to the pediatrician and get his iron and lead level tested.
sounds like a defiency of some kind. when i was little my mom said i ate matches because i had an iron defiency . i would have some blood work done on him
It sounds like his diet is missing some sort of nutrient that he's trying to get by chewing on these odd things. What's more, I'd be worried that since he's chewing on wall materials, he might be getting some paint in his mouth and depending on how old your home is, that paint may contain lead. I would take him to the doctor and have a full blood work-up just to make sure that all of his levels are where they should be.
