Trichophagy
Trichophagy (from the Greek ϑρίξ (thrix), Gen. τριχός (trichós), "hair" and φάγειν (phagein) "eat", "eat") denotes the (pathological) swallowing ( "eating" ) of hair. The associated syndrome in humans is known as Rapunzel's syndrome.
In humans, trichophagia is often associated with trichotillomania and, in a persistent form, can lead to serious complications, since the trichobezoars formed as a result can lead to an intestinal obstruction. In extreme cases, surgical removal of the trichobezoars may be necessary.
forecast
Rapunzel syndrome , in which the "tail" of the hair ball extends into the intestines, can be fatal if misdiagnosed. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the mass.
In the media
Trichophagia is mentioned in the 1000 Ways to Bite the Grass episode "Stupid Is As Stupid Dies," which introduces a young woman who died from it.
Individual evidence
- ^ Mathias Berger: Mental Illnesses: Clinic and Therapy. Urban & Fischer, Munich 2009, ISBN 978-3-437-22481-2 , p. 923, as Google Books online
- ↑ [1]