Pagophagia
Pagophagia
Pagophagia (pronounced: pā-gō-fā-jē-ə) is a form of pica, a psychological disorder characterized by an appetite for substances that are largely non-nutritive. The term specifically refers to the compulsive consumption of ice or iced drinks.
Etymology
The term "Pagophagia" is derived from the Greek words "pagos" meaning frost or ice, and "phagia" meaning eating. It was first used in medical literature in the 1960s.
Symptoms
Pagophagia is characterized by the compulsive and excessive consumption of ice. This is often associated with iron deficiency anemia, although the exact cause is unknown. The consumption of ice is thought to relieve glossitis, which is a symptom of iron deficiency anemia.
Related Terms
- Pica: A psychological disorder characterized by an appetite for substances that are largely non-nutritive.
- Iron deficiency anemia: A common type of anemia — a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues.
- Glossitis: Inflammation or infection of the tongue. It causes the tongue to swell and change color. Finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue (papillae) may be lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth.
See Also
- Geophagia: The practice of eating earth or soil-like substrates such as clay or chalk.
- Amylophagia: The compulsive consumption of purified starch.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pagophagia
- Wikipedia's article - Pagophagia
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