fypfeed News on the 13th of August, 2025.
Teen’s Stomach Pain Linked to “Gluten Intolerance”
The 14 year old Erin Collins began complaining of discomfort in her stomach Her mother thought that this was a problem that many teenagers have to deal with. Food sensitivities, lactose problems as well as gluten intolerance are all becoming typical concerns for parents and Jodie Collins feared that something similar could be happening to her daughter.
Massive Hairball in Teen’s Stomach What appeared to be an unimportant health issue morphed into something more shocking. Doctors later found out that Erin had a rare, dangerous condition that was not caused by food, but rather by hair.
From Minor Complaints to Serious Concerns
The teenager’s pain started in the month of November 2024. Initially, the pain was intermittent, appearing and going at a rapid pace. Jodie thought it could be due to Erin’s diet, or menstrual cramps.
“I believed it might be gluten intolerance, or lactose intolerance. There was nothing unusual initially,” she said.
For a few months, Erin continued to be a struggle with occasional stomach pains. In May 2025, Erin’s discomfort had gotten worse. She had missed school, aching and unwell. She was also unable to eat adequately.
The situation grew so worrying to prompt Jodie to request more hospital tests.
MRI Reveals Large Mass in Stomach
Initial blood tests and scans revealed nothing unusual. But Erin’s health issues continued to get worse. Then Erin was diagnosed with a MRI scan from the local hospital showed the most unbelievable thing doctors could not believe.
In Erin’s stomach, there was a massive hard, solid mass not food, and certainly not an organ however, it was hair.
The condition is referred to as the trichobezoar an uncommon buildup of hair swallowed that is not digestible by the body. As time passes hair accumulates then hardens and may fill up all of the stomach space.
In Erin’s case the hairball was 8.3 inches in diameter roughly equivalent to the width of a smaller melons.
Emergency Transfer to Bristol Children’s Hospital
Doctors immediately shifted Erin into Bristol Children’s Hospital where pediatric surgeons assessed the potential risk. They decided surgical intervention was the sole alternative.
The five-hour procedure revealed how serious the situation was. The trichobezoar stretched Erin’s stomach nearly three times the size of normal. If left untreated, it may cause obstruction in her intestines, led to internal bleeding, or resulted in a collapse.
The Operation and Aftermath
Surgery specialists carefully removed the huge hairball. One surgeon later informed to the family members that it was the biggest they’ve ever seen.
“The surgeons claimed that the smell was incredible. He described it as sour and as if it was the worst drain that could be imagined,” Jodie recalled.
The blockage caused Erin hungry, anemic, and extremely fatigued. Erin required to follow a diet rich in vitamins and minerals program following her surgery to restore her endurance.
Erin was on the no-mouth-to-mouth regimen while her stomach was healing. Doctors carefully monitored her for any complications, and warned her family members that the problem may have been forming for a long time.
A Mother’s Shock
For Jodie the news was shocking.
“As an infant, Erin would play with my hair and make it twist. Erin was always very tactile however, I’d never witnessed her put her hair into her mouth. It was a shock when the doctors explained the incident.”
Doctors have suggested that Erin could be chewing or swallowing hair during her sleep, and not even noticing it — a practice that is that is linked to a condition referred to as trichotillomania which is a condition where people chew or eat their hair.
One doctor told his patients that the habits was not noticed for long enough that her stomach began to expand alarmingly.
What is a Trichobezoar?
A trichobezoar can be described as a compact amount of hair that is deposited within the digestive system. Since hair isn’t digestible, it forms clumps and eventually hardens.
In rare instances it may lead to what’s called “Rapunzel” Syndrome in which hairballs grow through the stomach to the intestinal tract. It can lead to life-threatening blockages.
Doctors warn that symptoms can be confused with food intolerances IBS, or irritable intestinal syndrome (IBS) or simply digestive issues.
Signs Parents Should Watch For
Erin’s story illustrates the subtle signs that can mask serious health issues. Medical experts suggest parents seek medical attention for children who suffer from:
- Consistent stomach cramps or stomach pain
- Fatigue or weight loss that is not explained.
- Loss of hair or bald patches are indications of chewing hair
- Bloating and nausea that isn’t apparent dietary cause
Though uncommon, trichobezoars may lead to anemia or nutritional problems and internal harm if not addressed.
Recovery and New Habits
Amazingly, Erin was able to begin recovering within ten days after the operation. Doctors released her with strict post-operative instructions which included a high-nutrition dietary regimen as well as psychological assistance.
Her mother has since purchased her a bonnet that she can wear during the night to protect her from swallowing hair when she sleeps.
“We’ve also provided her with fidget toy and stress balls so she can find something to play with her hands. Therapy may be beneficial, according to doctors. as well,” Jodie explained.
Raising Awareness for Other Families
Jodie hopes that sharing the story of Erin will stop other parents from failing to notice the symptoms.
“I put it on the back of food intolerances for months. I didn’t think that the possibility of this,” she said.
The family wants to make people aware of hair-twirling, hair-chewing and other behaviors which could lead to hazardous conditions.
Expert Opinion
Medical experts emphasize that trichobezoars, even though they are rare and not a common occurrence, must be treated with seriousness.
Doctor. Helen Marsh, a pediatric gastroenterologist, who was not associated with Erin’s treatment explained:
“Parents typically believe that stomach pain among teenagers is related to diet but it can also indicate something more grave. If a child’s discomfort persists regardless of diet changes it’s imperative to conduct more research.”
She also said that early detection is the best way to avoid complications, and this is especially true because surgery is typically the only option when an enormous mass appears.
A Story with an Affirmation
For Erin the agony of continuous cramps is now past. But recovery takes time and her stomach might be stretched for a long time.
Her mother claims the experience has altered her outlook on the way she lives her life.
“It was something that was so insignificant like twirling hair that turned into something dangerous. I want parents to know it could occur,” she said.
Key Takeaway
What appeared to be an inability to digest gluten in a teen was actually one of the biggest hairballs doctors have ever removed. The incident is a reminder that persistent stomach pain shouldn’t be overlooked, and that even the most innocent of routines can pose risks.
