Bezoar : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Alternate Names : Trichobezoar, Hairball

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.

Overview, Causes, & 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 rate is very low and the risk is greater among mentally retarded or emotionally disturbed children. Generally bezoars are mostly seen in females aged 10 to 19.

• Bezoar : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

• Bezoar : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests

• Bezoar : Treatment

Review Date : 8/2/2009
Reviewed By : Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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