According to the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA), celiac disease (CD) should be considered in any patient with unexplained iron deficiency anemia. The AGA describes celiac disease as a permanent intolerance to gluten, the storage protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. CD is characterized by a chronic inflammatory state that disturbs the workings of the small intestine and its ability to absorb the nutrients, including iron, critical to good health.

For over a year, I could not get through a day, or even an hour, without crunching ice. I often wore a coat in the house, stood by a heater, and consumed one cup after another. Sometimes I sat in a steaming bathtub of water and munched away. My husband joked that I had a bag-a-day habit, but the reality was no joke. I experienced frequent headaches, jaw pain, damage to my teeth, and needless medical treatments. What I didn't know then is that doctors have a term for crunching ice: "papohagia." It is frequently associated with iron deficiency anemia.

In addition, I experienced a host of seemingly unrelated symptoms, such as excruciating leg and foot pain, bloating and gas, mouth sores, fatigue, and painful joints. This went on for years. I remember several visits to doctors who arrogantly stated, "There's nothing wrong with you." I wondered if I was a hypochondriac, even though I was in pain most of the time.

Further medical evaluation seemed pointless until one afternoon when I received a phone call from my sister. She said she'd been diagnosed with a little known inherited condition called CD. I'd never heard of it, but couldn't wait to learn more. The first site I pulled up on the internet listed every one of my symptoms.

I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist and underwent diagnostic testing, including blood tests and an examination of my small intestine. The doctor took several biopsies. Within a couple of weeks I finally had the answers I had been looking for. I, too, had CD. Not only that, but my blood work confirmed anemia. I began a gluten-free diet and iron supplementation. Within weeks all my symptoms diminished, including the ice craving.

I no longer need iron supplements, but I do have to adhere to a gluten-free diet for the rest of my life. It can be difficult, especially when I eat out or crave a favorite food. I can't complain, though. It is a small price to pay for renewed health. It is wonderful to be ice free, as well. I much prefer a warm cup of tea.

Want to know more?
http://www.celiacdisease.net

Technical information for this article can be found at http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/PHS001650850602 2268/fulltext
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chewing-ice/AN012 78

Learn more about this author, Barbara Lee Norris.
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