Swallowing a hair is generally not a cause for concern as it will typically pass through your digestive system and exit your body without causing any problems.
What Happens When You Swallow a Hair?
Our bodies are not equipped to digest hair because hair is made of a protein called keratin, which our digestive enzymes can't break down. This means that when you swallow a strand of hair, it generally goes through your digestive tract undigested.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Ingestion: You accidentally swallow a strand of hair.
- Stomach: The hair enters your stomach along with the food you've consumed. Your stomach acids do not break down the hair.
- Intestines: The hair moves into your small intestine, then your large intestine, still undigested.
- Elimination: Finally, the hair is passed out of your body with other undigested food in your stool.
Is Swallowing Hair Dangerous?
For most people, swallowing the occasional hair is not a problem. According to the reference, "they just end up passing out of the body with other undigested food."
However, there are some situations where it can become problematic:
- Large Amounts: Consuming large quantities of hair over time, also referred to as Trichophagia and frequently associated with Trichotillomania (a compulsion to pull out one's hair), can lead to hairball formation in the digestive tract, known as a Trichobezoar.
- These can cause blockages, which may require medical intervention.
- Symptoms of a Hairball:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling full after eating a small amount
- Weight loss
- Constipation or Diarrhea
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Digestion | Hair is not digestible by the human body. |
| Passage | Swallowed hair typically passes through the digestive system and is eliminated in stool. |
| Risks | Occasional swallowing of a hair is harmless. |
| Major Risks | Large quantities of hair consumption can form hairballs (Trichobezoars) and cause blockages. |
| Intervention | Medical intervention may be needed if a hairball causes significant problems. |
In conclusion, accidentally swallowing a hair is generally harmless, as your body will naturally eliminate it. The problem arises only when large amounts of hair are consumed regularly, leading to the formation of hairballs.
