title: Esophageal obstruction with a dietary fiber product designed for weight reduction.
abstract: Supplements consisting primarily of dietary fibers are marketed as aids to weight reduction. Of uncertain efficacy, they have generally been regarded as safe when used according to directions. We report two cases of acute esophageal obstruction by a guar gum product in patients with preexisting esophageal abnormalities and review similar reports from other centers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7080.
authors.forename: F H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Opper
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Isaacs
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Warshauer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D005685:Galactans / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008351:Mannans / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy; D053149:Plant Gums; D011859:Radiography; D013607:Tablets
chemical_list: D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005685:Galactans; D008351:Mannans; D053149:Plant Gums; D013607:Tablets; C007894:guar gum