Mari's Site

Trichobezoars

By Mike Grant            

Unfortunately, the valve at the upper neck of the stomach that
connects to esophogus in humans evolved to only efficiently let material
pass one way.  So we can't cough up a hairball the way felines can.

There is no medication I know of that can dissolve hair in the stomach.

A trichobezoar of *any* size presents a grave medical risk to
the child and requires immediate professional attention if it is even
suspected. There is no such thing as any safe home remedy to deal with this
situation anymore than there is for dealing with a brain tumor. If the
trichobezoar is small, it can oftentimes be removed by non-invasive means through an instrumented gastroscope. If it larger or allowed to continue to grow in size, then full open gastric surgery is required.

If there is child out there where this situation is suspected
and the parents are without means to get the child the needed medical attention, then all of us need to put our talents, knowledge, and resources together to help find this child at risk the care that is required."

John Logan Says This:

"Hair isn't digested.  That is why hairballs form.  The only way to eliminate the hairball is by surgery.  If the hairball isn't too advanced, an Endoscopy may be able to extract it.  That is where a tube with a camera is inserted down the throat.  If they find anything, they can usually remove it instantly and painlessly and avoid major surgery.  I have had this done 3 times for polyps in the stomach.  They remove the polyps, cauterize the area and do a biopsy all at the same time.  There is also a vacuum on this tube so they can vacuum hair out it it isn't too tightly bound.  Hope this helps."

By John Kender:

"Trichobezoars do cause vomiting, because they block the flow of food through the stomach.  However, what is vomited up is not a hairball, but food.   If you could vomit hairballs like cats do, trichobezoars would not be possible.   Instead, they grow until surgically removed.  If not removed, they can be fatal, due to the wasting effects of not getting enough nutrition."

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