Teenager Hospitalized After Rare Hairball Nearly Turns Fatal
What began as recurring stomach pain in a seemingly healthy teenager soon escalated into a medical mystery that left doctors astonished and her mother in shock. What initially appeared to be food sensitivity would ultimately reveal a rare, life-threatening condition hidden within her digestive system.
Erin Collins, 14, from the UK, had been experiencing persistent abdominal cramps for months. Her mother, Jodie, initially attributed the discomfort to possible gluten intolerance or menstrual cramps. Routine medical checks revealed nothing abnormal, and life continued—until the pain intensified to a point that warranted urgent hospital care.
Medical imaging revealed an unexpected culprit: a massive, compacted mass of hair lodged in Erin’s stomach, a condition known as trichobezoar. This rare disorder occurs when swallowed hair accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract, forming a hardened obstruction.
Erin was quickly transferred to Bristol Children’s Hospital, where surgeons performed a painstaking five-hour operation to remove the enormous blockage. The hairball measured a staggering 8.3 inches in diameter—roughly the size of a melon—and had caused severe anemia and nutrient deficiencies. Surgeons described the smell during the procedure as “unbelievable,” noting it was one of the largest and most putrid trichobezoars they had encountered.
Jodie shared that while Erin had a long-standing habit of playing with her hair, she had never noticed her daughter swallowing it. Doctors suggested Erin may have done so unconsciously, potentially even during sleep.
Post-surgery, Erin faced several days on a restricted diet while her stomach slowly returned to normal function. Though the organ may remain enlarged for some time, she is steadily recovering with nutrient-rich treatments to restore her strength.
To prevent recurrence, Jodie has implemented strategies such as having Erin wear a sleep bonnet and encouraging alternative habits like fidget toys. In more severe cases, therapy may be recommended to address compulsive hair-pulling or swallowing behaviors.
🔹 Conclusion
Erin’s case serves as a stark reminder that minor or unusual habits can escalate into serious, even life-threatening medical conditions. What began as mysterious stomach cramps misattributed to diet revealed a rare trichobezoar capable of severe harm.
Timely medical intervention saved Erin’s life, underscoring the importance of persistence in seeking answers when symptoms don’t fit common explanations. For the Collins family, a seemingly innocent quirk became a critical lesson in vigilance, awareness, and the hidden dangers of rare disorders.