My 3-year-old has a habit of eating soil its so bad that she is always constipated I don't know what to do now I need help
Dr Aina Johnson

Paediatrician

For it to be Pica, the following criteria MUST be met:
1. The child [or adult as the case may be] must have "scavenged" for at least 1 month.
2. The age must be above 2 years, that is above the age at which putting of odds and ends into the mouth is part of "normal" development.
3. It must not be a normal practice peculiar to the culture or religion the child was raised in.
Dr Aina Johnson

Paediatrician

Please see a doctor to rule out PICA. PICA is defined as excessive craving, persistent compulsion, for non nutritive, non food substances such as:
clay, sand, candle, ice, flakes of paint, charcoal, dirt, feces, paper, soap, chalk, stone, etc.
It is important to note that toddlers, as part of their normal development, when they are at the oral phase of their development, and are exploring the environment for the first time, are fund of putting all odds and ends into their mouth. This is not part of the Pica spectrum.
There is a need to see a Paediatrician immediately for evaluation and management.