Understanding Phytobezoars: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Phytobezoar is a term used to describe a type of bezoar that is composed of plant material, rather than animal-derived materials. Bezoars are accumulations of indigestible substances in the gastrointestinal tract, and they can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Phytobezoars are relatively rare, but they can occur in people who consume large amounts of certain plant-based foods or supplements. For example, some herbal remedies, such as senna or cascara sagrada, can cause phytobezoars if taken in excessive amounts. Similarly, consuming large amounts of fiber-rich foods, such as psyllium or flaxseeds, can also lead to the formation of phytobezoars.

Phytobezoars are typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans. Treatment for phytobezoars usually involves avoiding the offending plant material and allowing the body to pass the bezoar naturally. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help break down the bezoar or to relieve symptoms. Surgery may be necessary in rare cases where the bezoar is causing severe complications or is not responding to other treatments.