| Definition: |
A bezoar is a ball of swallowed foreign material (usually hair or fiber) that collects in the stomach and fails to pass through the intestines.
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| Alternative Names: |
Trichobezoar; Hairball
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
Chewing on or eating hair or fuzzy materials (or indigestible materials such as plastic bags) can lead to the formation of a bezoar. The incidence is very low and the risk is greater among mentally retarded or emotionally disturbed children. Generally bezoars are seen in females (approximately 90%) aged 10 to 19.
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| Symptoms: |
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| Signs and tests: |
The child may have a lump in the abdomen (stomach) that can be felt by the health care provider. A barium swallow X-ray will show the mass in the stomach, sometimes a scope if used (endoscopy) to directly visualize the bezoar.
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| Treatment: |
The bezoar may need to be surgically removed (especially trichobezoars which tend to be large). Sometimes small bezoars can be removed through a scope placed through the mouth and into the stomach (similar to an EGD procedure). Then, follow the prevention measures described.
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| Expectations (prognosis): |
Full recovery is expected.
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| Complications: |
Persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration.
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| Calling your health care provider: |
Call your health care provider if you suspect your child has a bezoar.
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| Prevention: |
If your child has had a bezoar in the past, trim the child's hair short so he or she cannot put the ends in the mouth. Keep indigestable materials away from a child that has a tendency to put items in the mouth.
Be sure to remove the child's access to fuzzy or fiber-filled materials.
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