They can be asymptomatic (causing no symptoms) or cause gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating.
Treatment of bezoars involves dissolving or removing the bezoar through various techniques.
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Who Gets Bezoars?
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Bezoars are a rare gastrointestinal condition that can occur in anyone.
While they are sometimes called bezoar stones, their composition varies.
Associated GI Symptoms
Bezoars are typically asymptomatic.
People who have them do not experience any signs or symptoms.
A provider may recommend ways to dissolve the bezoar.
If it cannot be dissolved, anendoscopic procedureor surgery may be needed to remove the lodged material.
The provider may use various tools to remove or break up the bezoar.
If a bezoar cannot be removed with endoscopy, surgical removal may be necessary.
Likelihood and Risks of Untreated Symptoms
Bezoars can cause serious complications, although they are rare.
The complications can include:
The likelihood of developing a bezoar is rare.
A study of almost 24,000 people who had endoscopy found bezoars in 0.31% of people.
Bezoars made of food material are more common in areas where persimmons grow.
Summary
Bezoars are a gastrointestinal health concern.
They are made up of tightly packed food or nonfood material and are usually found inside the stomach.
Many times bezoars do not cause symptoms and can go unnoticed.
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