Does eating tissue paper cause health problems?

Consuming tissue paper can indeed lead to adverse health effects and is generally not recommended. There are several risks associated with eating tissue paper:

Digestive Issues: Tissue paper is not digestible and can cause blockages in the digestive tract. This can lead to abdominal pain, constipation, and in severe cases, intestinal obstruction. These blockages might require medical intervention to remove the tissue paper, such as endoscopy or surgery.

Risk of Toxins and Chemicals: Some tissue papers may be treated with chemicals during their manufacturing process, such as dyes, softeners, or fragrances. Some chemicals used in producing certain tissue papers may be potentially harmful when ingested. Exposure to these chemicals through ingestion can cause adverse reactions in some individuals.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Tissue paper contains no nutritional value and provides no nutritional benefit to the body. Regularly consuming tissue paper can replace nutritious food intake, leading to nutritional deficiencies of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

Risk of Injury: The rough texture of tissue paper can cause abrasions and damage to the delicate tissues of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and intestines. This can exacerbate underlying conditions such as esophageal strictures or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Psychological Issues: Frequent consumption of non-food items, including tissue paper, may be a sign of an underlying psychological disorder, such as pica. Pica is a condition characterized by a persistent craving and compulsion to eat non-food items. It's essential to seek medical and psychological guidance to address pica behavior.

If you or someone you know is engaged in compulsive tissue paper consumption, it's advisable to reach out to a healthcare professional to identify the underlying causes and obtain proper support and treatment.