Finding hair in stool is usually harmless but can sometimes indicate health concerns. This article explores common explanations for hair in stool, why it passes undigested, and when medical attention is warranted.
Common Explanations for Hair in Stool
The most frequent reason for hair in stool is accidental ingestion. People may inadvertently swallow their own hair, especially if it is long or if they chew on it. Pet owners often ingest loose animal hair from shedding, which can contaminate food. These small amounts generally pass through the digestive system without issues.
Hair can also enter the body through food contamination during preparation or consumption. Hair from clothing or the environment can also be ingested incidentally. In most cases, hair in stool is an isolated event and does not indicate a health problem.
Understanding Indigestible Material
Hair, whether human or animal, is primarily made of keratin. This protein is exceptionally tough and insoluble, forming a fibrous structure. This unique composition explains why hair appears in stool relatively unchanged.
The human digestive system lacks the enzymes to break down keratin. Unlike other nutrients, keratin remains largely untouched by stomach acids and digestive enzymes. Ingested hair travels through the gastrointestinal tract intact and is eventually excreted with other indigestible waste.
When Hair in Stool Signals a Concern
While often harmless, frequent or large quantities of hair in stool can signal a more significant condition. One such condition is trichophagia, the compulsive eating of hair, often associated with trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling). Individuals with trichophagia may eat their own hair. This behavior is a mental health disorder.
Swallowed hair can accumulate in the digestive tract, forming a trichobezoar, or hairball. These masses are typically found in the stomach, where hair’s indigestibility causes it to tangle and collect. A trichobezoar can grow large enough to cause symptoms including persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, early fullness, unexplained weight loss, and changes in bowel habits.
In rare instances, a trichobezoar can extend from the stomach into the small intestine, a condition called Rapunzel syndrome. This can lead to serious complications like intestinal obstruction, ulceration, or perforation. Symptoms requiring medical attention include persistent abdominal pain, blood in the stool, or signs of malnutrition and anemia.
Seeking Medical Advice and Prevention
Consult a healthcare professional if hair in stool is frequent or accompanied by concerning symptoms. These include persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or blood in the stool. Also seek guidance if compulsive hair eating is suspected.
A doctor may conduct a physical examination and inquire about eating habits. Diagnostic procedures include imaging tests (ultrasound, CT scan) to visualize masses, and endoscopy to confirm a trichobezoar’s presence and size. Treatment ranges from endoscopic removal for smaller masses to surgical intervention for larger cases. For trichophagia, mental health support and behavioral therapy are often recommended.
Preventive measures for accidental hair ingestion include good food hygiene, such as tying back hair while cooking. Regular pet grooming can help reduce shedding. If a person, especially a child, eats hair, offering alternative chewing items or seeking professional advice can be beneficial.