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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are There Any Side Effects Of Eating Sponge Regularly For A Child?

my 9 year old son is eating sponge since a 1 year old. He is addicted to eating sponge. Is there any side effects? If there is side effects what medication can i give him to stop. I am a single unemployed mum with no medical aid or finances but i would like help for my son. Regards Rebecca David
posted on Sun, 2 Sep 2012
Twitter Fri, 7 Sep 2012 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 8 Sep 2012 Last reviewed on
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Pediatrician, Surgery,  's  Response
Dear Ms Rebecca

2 possibilities - this could be a form of PICA which involves the eating of inappropriate things, and may be a sign of underlying worm infestation and he would need deworming medications. The second possibility is that he must be suffering from some stress / issues and this is a coping behaviour. It would be prudent to get him examined by a specialist as he can be helped and this can be reversible. All the best and do contact me in you need any clarifications

Dr Antony Robert Charles
Pediatric Surgeon
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Are There Any Side Effects Of Eating Sponge Regularly For A Child?

Dear Ms Rebecca 2 possibilities - this could be a form of PICA which involves the eating of inappropriate things, and may be a sign of underlying worm infestation and he would need deworming medications. The second possibility is that he must be suffering from some stress / issues and this is a coping behaviour. It would be prudent to get him examined by a specialist as he can be helped and this can be reversible. All the best and do contact me in you need any clarifications Dr Antony Robert Charles Pediatric Surgeon