Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
177 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Are Side Effects Of Eating Slate Pencils?

hi i m 22 yrs old and i hav a habit of eating slate pencils from my child hood and in the middle of my childhood i stopped eating till my 10 th standard.if every thing permits i eat 1 slate pencil a day.every time i think of it my mouth keeps watering as if to eat it.what are the side effects of this and what is the way to get rid of this.
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Sun, 24 Aug 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 25 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,

Slate pencils contains calcium carbonate which if taken in excessive amount can cause stone formation in kidneys.
The continuous craving for eating inedible substances (like chalk, slate pencils) is known as Pica.
It is one of the features of Iron deficiency anemia.

Investigations like complete blood count & peripheral blood smear will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis.
Based on the reports, management will include administration of supplemental Iron & Folic acid preparations.
There can be associated factors like hookworm infection which needs to be managed with Albendazole preparations.
Also you need to take a healthy balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables.

So, kindly consult your General Physician for proper clinical evaluation.
Wishing a good health.
Take care.
I find this answer helpful

3 Doctors agree with this answer

Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Are Side Effects Of Eating Slate Pencils?

Hello dear, Slate pencils contains calcium carbonate which if taken in excessive amount can cause stone formation in kidneys. The continuous craving for eating inedible substances (like chalk, slate pencils) is known as Pica. It is one of the features of Iron deficiency anemia. Investigations like complete blood count & peripheral blood smear will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis. Based on the reports, management will include administration of supplemental Iron & Folic acid preparations. There can be associated factors like hookworm infection which needs to be managed with Albendazole preparations. Also you need to take a healthy balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables. So, kindly consult your General Physician for proper clinical evaluation. Wishing a good health. Take care.