Ice addict hospitalized due to anemia

Q. I am addicted to ice and eat big cups of it daily at both work and home. I compulsively fill the ice trays when they seem a little low.

I am currently being hospitalized for low iron. I just received a blood transfusion because my count was 6.0. That scared me to death, since females should be at 12 or higher. The doctor wants me receiving iron intravenously so that I can prepare for a hysterectomy in January.

I am trying to stop this terrible habit, but I find myself chewing on ice while I send this important message to The People’s Pharmacy. The nurses keep bringing me ice. My husband is really concerned. I have no idea how this craving started.

A. You have actually given us the prime clue about the source of your ice craving: Your iron is much too low. Low levels of iron or zinc are frequently associated with pica (a craving to eat a nonfood substance, such as ice, cornstarch or clay).

Usually the craving disappears when the deficiency is corrected. You may find ice much less appealing once the IV iron kicks in. Your doctor must find out the cause of your anemia. If the hysterectomy is being done to address excessive blood loss, it may prevent a relapse of your ice craving. You also might benefit from a blood test for celiac disease, which also contributes to anemia.

Q. I began taking meloxicam for inflammation in April. By June, my stomach was so messed up I couldn’t stand it. My pain doctor switched me to diclofenac, but I had the same stomach issues.

My stomach is still torn up after weeks of not taking any NSAIDs. I started taking Prilosec, but it hasn’t helped much. The NSAIDs also raised my blood pressure, and now I have to take blood pressure pills. Can you recommend anything I can do for my pain that won’t cause these problems?

A. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are widely prescribed by physicians and also are available over the counter as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen (Aleve).

Serious digestive-tract damage and even bleeding ulcers are not uncommon complications of NSAIDs. The latter is a life-threatening side effect.

Increases in blood pressure also are a common problem with NSAIDs. Other adverse reactions include irregular heart rhythms (atrial fibrillation), fluid retention, hearing problems, skin rash, liver or kidney damage and heart attacks.

People often rely on NSAIDs because they don’t know about other options. Nondrug approaches may include spices like turmeric, ginger and boswellia and juice from grapes, pomegranates or cherries.

Q. I just started using topical MoM (milk of magnesia) on my skin, and my acne has started shrinking. I am trying to get off oral antibiotics, so I hope this remedy works.

A. Many readers tell us that applying milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) to the skin can help clear up acne. The only reference we have found in the medical literature is a letter in the Archives of Dermatology (January 1975). Satisfied users apply it twice a day, leave it on for 10 or 20 minutes and then wash it off.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers.

2014 King Features Syndicate Inc.