Doctor, Doctor...
By Dave Hall
For all you hypochondriacs out there, Dave Hall continues his regular look at a some of the more unusual medical conditions, as well as some you thought you knew all about.
This week: PICA or 'EAT ANYTHING' SYNDROME
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Condition – Pica is a condition where people have an uncontrollable urge to eat non-food substances like dirt, paper, glue and clay. It is thought to be linked to the person’s deficiency for certain minerals, but the experts have no real clue as to why they start eating these things.
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Contagion – Not a genetic condition and not one you can catch of anyone, so pretty safe, unless you are just odd and like the taste of glue.
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| Danger of death – Not from the condition itself, but potentially you could kill yourself if you end up eating something that is highly toxic. |  |
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Incurability? – There is not a lot known about this condition, which makes a cure pretty far away. Just make sure that you pick a non-lethal type of glue or clay.
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Likelihood of getting time off work – If you start eating the entire office supply of ink, paper glue and toilet cleaner, you’re surely going to be asked to leave quietly; and it’s unlikely you’ll be asked back.
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| Brag-ability – You’d be better off keeping quiet than telling your family and friends that you like the taste of [*insert favourite brand of hair product*]. You’ll lose friends quicker than you gain them. |
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Overall ridiculousness – It’s a crazy idea - waking up in the morning and eating toothpaste, running Brylcream through your gums and running down the road with a piece of boot polish on toast – but someone’s got to do it. |
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More conditions to come soon:
Avian Flu, Sirenomelia and more.
Find more curious conditions in Doctor Doctor. If you can't wait for the next Doctor Doctor, then why not find a Phunny Phobia to keep you going?
Photo: DH
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