Pagophagia: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Pagophagia
| image          = [[File:Icecube.jpg|alt=Ice cubes|upright=1.2]]
| caption        = Ice cubes, commonly craved in pagophagia
| field          = [[Hematology]]
| symptoms        = Compulsive consumption of ice
| complications  = [[Iron deficiency anemia]], [[dental problems]]
| onset          = Any age
| duration        = Variable
| causes          = Often associated with [[iron deficiency]]
| risks          = [[Nutritional deficiencies]], [[dental erosion]]
| diagnosis      = Clinical evaluation, [[blood test]] for iron levels
| differential    = [[Pica (disorder)]], [[Obsessive-compulsive disorder]]
| treatment      = Addressing underlying [[iron deficiency]], [[cognitive behavioral therapy]]
| medication      = [[Iron supplements]]
| frequency      = Common in individuals with iron deficiency
}}
{{Short description|A form of pica involving the compulsive consumption of ice}}
{{Short description|A form of pica involving the compulsive consumption of ice}}
== Pagophagia ==
[[File:Icecube.jpg|thumb|right|Ice cubes, commonly consumed in pagophagia]]
'''Pagophagia''' is a form of [[pica]], a condition characterized by the compulsive consumption of non-nutritive substances. Specifically, pagophagia involves the persistent craving and consumption of [[ice]] or iced drinks. This condition is often associated with [[iron deficiency anemia]], although the exact mechanism linking the two is not fully understood.
'''Pagophagia''' is a form of [[pica]], a condition characterized by the compulsive consumption of non-nutritive substances. Specifically, pagophagia involves the persistent craving and consumption of [[ice]] or iced drinks. This condition is often associated with [[iron deficiency anemia]], although the exact mechanism linking the two is not fully understood.
== Symptoms and Diagnosis ==
== Symptoms and Diagnosis ==
Individuals with pagophagia may consume large quantities of ice daily, often to the exclusion of other foods. This behavior can lead to dental problems, such as enamel erosion and increased tooth sensitivity. Diagnosis of pagophagia is typically based on the patient's history and reported behavior. It is important for healthcare providers to assess for underlying conditions, such as [[iron deficiency]] or other nutritional deficiencies, that may contribute to the development of pagophagia.
Individuals with pagophagia may consume large quantities of ice daily, often to the exclusion of other foods. This behavior can lead to dental problems, such as enamel erosion and increased tooth sensitivity. Diagnosis of pagophagia is typically based on the patient's history and reported behavior. It is important for healthcare providers to assess for underlying conditions, such as [[iron deficiency]] or other nutritional deficiencies, that may contribute to the development of pagophagia.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
The exact cause of pagophagia is not well understood, but it is frequently associated with iron deficiency anemia. Some researchers hypothesize that chewing ice may increase alertness in individuals with anemia, or that it may provide a soothing effect for those experiencing oral inflammation due to nutritional deficiencies. Other potential causes include [[stress]], [[obsessive-compulsive disorder]], and other psychological factors.
The exact cause of pagophagia is not well understood, but it is frequently associated with iron deficiency anemia. Some researchers hypothesize that chewing ice may increase alertness in individuals with anemia, or that it may provide a soothing effect for those experiencing oral inflammation due to nutritional deficiencies. Other potential causes include [[stress]], [[obsessive-compulsive disorder]], and other psychological factors.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
[[File:Icecube.jpg|thumb|left|Ice cubes]]
Treatment of pagophagia involves addressing the underlying cause. If iron deficiency is identified, iron supplementation is often effective in reducing the craving for ice. In cases where psychological factors are involved, behavioral therapy or counseling may be beneficial. It is important for individuals with pagophagia to receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment of pagophagia involves addressing the underlying cause. If iron deficiency is identified, iron supplementation is often effective in reducing the craving for ice. In cases where psychological factors are involved, behavioral therapy or counseling may be beneficial. It is important for individuals with pagophagia to receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
 
== See Also ==
== Related pages ==
* [[Pica (disorder)]]
* [[Pica (disorder)]]
* [[Iron deficiency anemia]]
* [[Iron deficiency anemia]]
* [[Obsessive-compulsive disorder]]
* [[Obsessive-compulsive disorder]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Psychiatric disorders]]
[[Category:Psychiatric disorders]]

Latest revision as of 05:10, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Pagophagia
Ice cubes
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Compulsive consumption of ice
Complications Iron deficiency anemia, dental problems
Onset Any age
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes Often associated with iron deficiency
Risks Nutritional deficiencies, dental erosion
Diagnosis Clinical evaluation, blood test for iron levels
Differential diagnosis Pica (disorder), Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Prevention N/A
Treatment Addressing underlying iron deficiency, cognitive behavioral therapy
Medication Iron supplements
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common in individuals with iron deficiency
Deaths N/A


A form of pica involving the compulsive consumption of ice


Pagophagia is a form of pica, a condition characterized by the compulsive consumption of non-nutritive substances. Specifically, pagophagia involves the persistent craving and consumption of ice or iced drinks. This condition is often associated with iron deficiency anemia, although the exact mechanism linking the two is not fully understood.

Symptoms and Diagnosis[edit]

Individuals with pagophagia may consume large quantities of ice daily, often to the exclusion of other foods. This behavior can lead to dental problems, such as enamel erosion and increased tooth sensitivity. Diagnosis of pagophagia is typically based on the patient's history and reported behavior. It is important for healthcare providers to assess for underlying conditions, such as iron deficiency or other nutritional deficiencies, that may contribute to the development of pagophagia.

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of pagophagia is not well understood, but it is frequently associated with iron deficiency anemia. Some researchers hypothesize that chewing ice may increase alertness in individuals with anemia, or that it may provide a soothing effect for those experiencing oral inflammation due to nutritional deficiencies. Other potential causes include stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other psychological factors.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment of pagophagia involves addressing the underlying cause. If iron deficiency is identified, iron supplementation is often effective in reducing the craving for ice. In cases where psychological factors are involved, behavioral therapy or counseling may be beneficial. It is important for individuals with pagophagia to receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

See Also[edit]