A rare and shocking medical case has been reported from Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, where doctors discovered a large clump of hair inside the stomach of a 30-year-old woman who had been suffering from persistent digestive issues.

The woman had been experiencing symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain for a long period. She often felt heaviness even after eating small meals, but initially assumed it was a routine digestive problem.

When her condition worsened, she was brought to the hospital for medical evaluation, where doctors made a surprising discovery.

What Doctors Found

Medical scans and examination revealed a large mass of hair inside her stomach. This condition is not caused by food or infection but is linked to a rare behavioral and psychological disorder.

What Is the Cause?

Experts explained that the condition is associated with:

• Trichotillomania – a disorder where a person compulsively pulls out their own hair

• Trichophagia – a condition where the pulled-out hair is swallowed

Since human hair cannot be digested, it gradually accumulates inside the stomach over time, forming a mass known as a trichobezoar.

In severe cases, this mass can extend into the intestines, a condition medically referred to as Rapunzel syndrome.

What Is Rapunzel Syndrome?

Rapunzel syndrome is a rare but serious medical condition in which a hairball grows inside the stomach and can extend into the intestines. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as:

• Intestinal blockage

• Severe infection

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Life-threatening digestive issues

Treatment and Recovery

The woman was treated at Amrita Hospital by a team of gastrointestinal surgeons. Doctors successfully removed the large hair mass through surgery, preventing further complications.

Why Awareness Matters

Doctors emphasize that although this condition is rare, it is often linked to underlying mental health issues that may go unnoticed for years.

Similar cases have been reported in children as well, where habits like hair-pulling or chewing go unnoticed by family members until serious symptoms appear.

Final Takeaway

Experts advise parents and caregivers to pay attention to unusual repetitive behaviors in children and adults alike. Early identification and psychological support can prevent rare conditions like trichobezoar from becoming life-threatening.