Alina
2kg Hair Found Inside Woman stomach
Disturbing Discovery in Bareilly
In a shocking medical case from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, doctors have discovered 2kg of human hair found in a 21-yr-old woman’s stomach. The woman had been ingesting her own hair for the past 16 years, a compulsive behavior stemming from a psychological condition known as trichophagia. This peculiar case highlights the intersection of mental health and physical well-being.
Understanding Trichophagia
Trichophagia, also referred to as Rapunzel Syndrome, is a psychiatric disorder characterized by the compulsive ingestion of hair. It is often linked to trichotillomania, a condition where individuals pull out their own hair. According to Dr. MP Singh, a surgeon at the Bareilly district hospital, this condition can lead to severe physical health complications, including the formation of hairballs in the gastrointestinal tract, known as trichobezoars.
The Patient’s Journey
The young woman, a resident of Kargaina, was diagnosed with this alarming condition on September 20 after a CT scan revealed an accumulation of hair in her stomach. Following the diagnosis, she admitted to having engaged in this behavior since the age of five, pulling and consuming her hair whenever the opportunity arose. Her condition had progressed to a point where she was unable to eat solid foods and experienced vomiting even after consuming liquids.
Surgical Intervention
On September 26, a surgical operation was conducted to remove the hair from her stomach. Dr. Singh noted that the hair had completely filled her stomach cavity and even extended into part of her intestine. He described the condition as severe, necessitating emergency intervention.
“Rapunzel Syndrome is an unusual form of trichobezoar found in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders, including trichotillomania and trichophagia,” Dr. Singh explained. Symptoms often include vomiting and severe abdominal pain, both of which the patient experienced.
Health Implications of Trichophagia
Trichobezoars can pose serious health risks, leading to complications such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and significant weight loss. Dr. Singh emphasized that while trichobezoars can sometimes be benign, they can also lead to life-threatening situations requiring urgent medical care.
The exact causes of trichophagia remain unclear. Some theories suggest genetic predisposition, social environment factors, or neurobiological issues may contribute to the condition.
Therapeutic Approaches
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the most effective treatment for trichotillomania and its related conditions, including trichophagia. Dr. Singh and his team have been providing counseling to the patient to address her psychological needs and encourage healthier coping mechanisms.
Rare Surgical Case
Dr. Alka Sharma, the hospital’s in-charge, remarked that cases like this are exceedingly rare. “No such case has been reported in the last 20 years,” she stated, highlighting the uniqueness of this medical incident. The woman’s family informed doctors that her addiction to hair pulling had led to her severe abdominal pain, prompting the necessary CT scan and subsequent diagnosis.
Conclusion and Ongoing Care
Currently, the young woman is under medical supervision and is receiving psychological counseling at the hospital. The case of 2kg human hair found in 21-yr-old woman’s stomach serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate connection between mental health and physical well-being.
As healthcare providers work to support her recovery, the focus will be on not only treating her physical symptoms but also addressing the underlying psychological issues that led to this extraordinary and distressing condition.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical or psychological advice. For specific concerns regarding mental health or medical conditions, consult qualified healthcare professionals.
