If you swallow hair by mistake, it generally passes through your digestive system without causing any problems. This is the typical outcome for most accidental and small ingestions. However, in rare circumstances, especially if large amounts of hair are swallowed frequently over time, a significant medical condition can develop.
Accidental Swallowing: Usually Harmless
Swallowing a stray strand of hair, or even a few, is quite common and usually goes unnoticed. Our digestive system is remarkably adept at handling various ingested materials. Hair, primarily made of a protein called keratin, is not digestible by human enzymes. Despite this, small amounts of hair are typically pushed through the digestive tract and eventually excreted without causing any discomfort or health issues.
When Hair Swallowing Becomes a Concern: Trichobezoars
While most accidental hair swallowing is harmless, a more serious condition can arise if hair ingestion is chronic or severe. This often occurs in individuals with a rare compulsive disorder known as trichophagia, where a person compulsively eats their own hair.
When a large mass of undigested hair accumulates in the stomach, it can form a dense, matted ball called a trichobezoar. These bezoars can grow considerably, sometimes taking on the shape of the stomach or even extending into the intestines.
Symptoms of a Trichobezoar
Unlike the asymptomatic nature of occasional hair ingestion, a trichobezoar can be quite symptomatic and potentially serious. Symptoms may include:
- Nausea: A feeling of sickness with an urge to vomit.
- Vomiting: Expelling stomach contents.
- Abdominal Pain: Discomfort or pain in the stomach area.
- Feeling of Fullness: Even after eating small amounts of food.
- Weight Loss: Unexplained decrease in body weight.
- Hair in Stool: Though not always visible.
- Abdominal Mass: In some cases, a doctor might be able to feel a mass in the abdomen during an examination.
- Bowel Obstruction: In severe cases, the bezoar can block the passage of food through the intestines, leading to severe pain, distension, and other complications requiring urgent medical attention.
Why Hair Doesn't Digest
Hair is composed predominantly of keratin, a fibrous protein also found in nails, skin, and animal horns. Humans lack the specific enzymes required to break down keratin. Therefore, unlike digestible foods, hair passes through the digestive system largely intact.
Accidental Hair Swallowing vs. Trichobezoar
To better understand the difference, consider the following comparison:
| Aspect | Accidental Hair Swallowing (Small Amount) | Trichobezoar (Chronic/Severe Trichophagia) |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Few strands, infrequent | Large amounts, frequent, often compulsive |
| Symptoms | None, typically asymptomatic | Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss |
| Digestion | Passes through digestive system intact | Forms an undigested mass in the stomach (bezoar) |
| Harmful? | No, not harmful | Potentially harmful, can lead to serious complications |
| Medical Attention | Not usually required | Required for diagnosis and treatment |
What to Do if You're Concerned
If you accidentally swallow a small amount of hair, there is generally no need for concern or medical intervention. Your body will likely handle it without issue.
However, if you or someone you know experiences persistent symptoms such as unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or a feeling of fullness after inadvertently swallowing hair, especially if it happens repeatedly or in larger quantities, it's crucial to seek medical advice. These symptoms could indicate the formation of a trichobezoar or another digestive issue. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the problem and recommend appropriate treatment, which may range from endoscopic removal to surgical intervention for larger, more complex bezoars.
