Final answer:
A gastric bezoar is a mass of undigested material that forms in the stomach. The most common causes of gastric bezoars include impaired gastric motility, dietary factors, and prior gastric surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
A gastric bezoar is a mass of undigested material that forms in the stomach. It is usually composed of food fibers and plant material. Gastric bezoars can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
The most common causes of gastric bezoars are:
- Impaired gastric motility: Conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and neurological disorders can slow down the movement of the stomach, leading to the accumulation of undigested material.
- Dietary factors: Eating a diet high in fiber or consuming foods that are difficult to digest, such as certain fruits and vegetables, can increase the risk of gastric bezoar formation.
- Prior gastric surgery: Certain types of gastric surgeries can disrupt the normal digestive process and increase the likelihood of bezoar formation.