Causes
There is no single cause for pagophagia.
The condition may be brought on by several things.
The most common conditions associated with pagophagia are listed below.
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It is typically characterized byfatigue, weakness, pale skin, and a swollen tongue.
Some people with iron deficiency anemia also develop pagophagia.
It is unclear why this happens.
One theory is that it provides relief for swollen tongues in people who experience this particular symptom.
In people with OCD, pagophagia may develop as a compulsion in response to an obsession.
Research also shows that people might develop pagophagia in response to anxiety or stressful situations.
Other disorders associated with pagophagia include calcium deficiency and eating disorders.
Pregnancy can also be associated with this condition.
For example, some pregnant people crave ice during certain periods of their pregnancy.
After delivery, these cravings tend to go away.
For instance, when anemia goes undiagnosed and is not treated, it could cause heart issues.
Adjusting your diet to include iron-rich foods like fish and meat could also prevent your anemia from reoccurring.
Depressive disordershave also been linked to pagophagia.
If left untreated, pagophagia could lead to other medical complications.
The most common being dental problems.
Consuming ice at the quantity and frequency people with the condition do, could damage your teeth.
Pagophagia may cause nutritional deficiencies.
This might be as simple as removing ice blocks from your freezer.
Final Thoughts
Pagophagia is a condition characterized by the craving and compulsive consumption of ice.
Its not a fatal condition but it can be indicative of a disorder you dont know you have.
If youve been diagnosed with pagophagia, listen to your doctors advice carefully.
If the condition is being brought on by another disorder, treat the disorder immediately.
This may involve eating a healthy diet and consistent preventative medical care.
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Uchida T, Kawati Y.Pagophagia in iron deficiency anemia.Rinsho Ketsueki.
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