Published: | Updated:

WHAT IS RAPUNZEL SYNDROME?

Rapunzel syndrome is a rare condition where hairball are found in the digestive tract after a person ingests their own hair.

It is predominantly found in emotionally disturbed or mentally retarded youngsters.

A hairball - called a bezoar - extends from the stomach, with it's 'tail' in the small intestine.

Hairballs are accumulations of human or vegetable fibers that accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract.

They increase in size because hair and fibre is not absorbed.

They cause abdominal pain and nausea.

Sometimes people can present at healthcare facilities with a mass, but no symptoms, but it can progress to tearing and obstructing the stomach and bowel.

Most hairballs in children are from swallowed hair from the head, dolls, or brushes.

Source: Clinical Medicine and Research journal 

Advertisement

Read articles that feature this panel

Indian girl, 6, has a 126cm-long HAIRBALL weighing 2.6kgs removed from her stomach due to 'Rapunzel syndrome'

Doctors in New Delhi treated the girl, who complained of a bloated stomach and excruciating pain before they found the hair ball. She is one...

Most watched News videos