0
The desire to ingest non -food substances such as earth and soap is a complex phenomenon and still little understood. Although it is associated with psychiatric conditions, it can also have behind physiological and health issues. This was the case of a 36 -year -old Michigan woman in the United States, who reported desire for bleach powder.
After being hastily hospitalized with, doctors found that the patient had pernicious anemia, a condition in which the immune system itself attacks the necessary stomach cells for.
Without adequate levels of this vitamin, the body cannot produce healthy red blood cells, leading to the physical symptoms of anemia. But doctors also point out that prolonged B12 deficiency can cause cognitive and behavioral changes, including mood disorders and, in some cases, psychosis.
The case was released at the end of August by researchers from the Medical School of Wayne State University in Michigan.
Read too
Shortness of breath and abdominal pain
The doctors say that the woman sought care in an emergency room after missing intense air, abdominal pain and fatigue for about a day. She had a complex medical history, with obesity, sleep apnea and vitamin deficiencies.
The patient also had anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder diagnoses, and had already been hospitalized twice by psychiatric episodes. However, daily antidepressant treatments and a monthly injection of prolonged action antipsychotic seemed to be controlling new episodes.
Laboratory tests made at the hospital pointed out that the patient had anemia. With the condition, the number of healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen through the body is reduced, leading to shortness of breath. In addition to receiving oxygen immediately, it underwent multiple blood transfusions.
Doctors noted that iron and folate levels – two essential substances for red blood cell formation – were normal, but vitamin B12 was very low. The micronutrient is essential for the formation of red blood cells. More detailed tests confirmed that she had pernicious anemia.
Anemia and mental health
With the support of a psychiatric team, the woman said she was experiencing two or three times a day powder bleach for over a month, attracted by the strong smell and sandy texture.
In detail, she said she wrapped her fingertips on the product, took to the mouth, mouthwash, with sink and rinsed, like a pleasurable ritual, but never swallowed.
The picture is characteristic of Pica Syndrome, a dietary disorder that makes people eat or experience unusual compulsively things. But in this case, the patient’s compulsion seemed to be related to anemia.
Treatment with supplements
After having the physical symptoms stabilized in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the patient was prescribed vitamin B12 supplements and medications to reduce stomach acidity.
According to doctors, life supplementation is necessary in cases of pernicious anemia to reverse deficiency in vitamin B12 and relieve corresponding psychiatric symptoms.
The patient did not return to the hospital for follow -up after discharge. Doctors do not know if she continued treatment or if her symptoms have disappeared.
Follow the editorial of and stay on top of everything about it!
