Hair Inside Throat? Austrian Man Develops Rare Condition After Smoking for 3 Decades

A 52-year-old Austrian man developed a rare condition where hair grew inside his throat, known as endotracheal hair growth. Documented in the American Journal of Case Reports, this unusual condition stemmed from the man’s long-term smoking habit, with symptoms like a chronic cough and persistent tracheal irritation.

Case Overview

Patient History:

– The patient had been a smoker since 1990, consuming a pack of cigarettes daily.

– Symptoms began in 2006 with a hoarse voice, breathing difficulties, and a persistent cough.

– At age 10, the patient had a tracheotomy, where a tracheal opening was closed using a skin and cartilage graft from his ear. This area later became the site of hair growth.

Medical Findings:

– Doctors found inflammation and several hairs growing inside the patient’s throat.

– The patient reported coughing out a 5 cm long hair at one point.

Treatment History:

– For 14 years, the patient visited the hospital annually to have the hair plucked out.

– Hair growth persisted until he quit smoking in 2022.

– Doctors then performed endoscopic argon plasma coagulation to burn the hair cells, which ceased further growth.

Understanding Endotracheal Hair Growth

Doctors explain that the exact cause of endotracheal hair growth is not fully understood. However, prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke can damage throat tissues, potentially transforming stem cells into hair follicles. Symptoms of this condition include:

– Difficulty breathing
– Sore throat
– Chronic cough
– Snoring
– Hoarseness of the voice
– Inflammation

Abnormal hair growth in the throat can cause significant discomfort and increase the risk of infections.

Treatment Options

Endoscopic Argon Plasma Coagulation: This medical procedure burns the hair root to prevent further growth.

Antibiotics: Used if the hair is covered in bacteria to prevent infections.

Anti-inflammatory and Anti-microbial Treatments: To manage inflammation and prevent microbial growth.

For those with endotracheal hair growth associated with smoking, quitting smoking is crucial. Regular checks and inspections of the endotracheal tube are recommended to detect any unusual growth or inflammation early.

This case highlights the rare and unusual medical condition of endotracheal hair growth linked to prolonged smoking. Quitting smoking and appropriate medical interventions are essential for managing and preventing this condition.