When Mariaarrived at the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and dehydration, clinicians suspected a blockage. Imaging and endoscopy revealed a large gastric phytobezoar — a mass of undigested plant material that can form in the stomach and cause obstruction. What followed surprised her family and made headlines: rushed to emergency care, she recovered in just 24 hours thanks to a treatment… with Coca-Cola.
This isn’t a viral stunt or a miracle cure — it’s an unconventional, evidence-backed medical approach used in select cases to dissolve certain types of bezoars and avoid surgery.
What is a bezoar and how does it cause problems?
A bezoar is an accumulation of indigestible material in the gastrointestinal tract. Types include:
- Phytobezoars: made of plant fibers (common after high-fiber foods or persimmons)
- Trichobezoars: hairballs, typically in children or people with hair-eating behaviors
- Medication bezoars: formed from aggregated pills or binders
Large bezoars can block the stomach outlet, cause pain, vomiting, and even perforation if left untreated. Diagnosis typically involves imaging (CT scan or X-ray) and direct visualization with endoscopy.
Why Coca-Cola?
Coca-Cola and other carbonated soft drinks have been used as a non-surgical, adjunct treatment for phytobezoars for decades. The proposed mechanisms include:
- Acidic pH: The cola’s acidity (phosphoric and carbonic acids) can help soften and chemically break down fibrous material.
- Carbonation: Bubbles may penetrate and weaken the bezoar’s structure.
- Osmolar and enzymatic effects: The liquid can help hydrate and fragment the mass, making endoscopic removal easier.
In many reported cases, patients who received a course of Coca-Cola either orally or via nasogastric tube experienced partial or complete dissolution of the bezoar within hours to days. In Maria’s case, a combination of careful endoscopic assessment and cola infusion led to a dramatic improvement within 24 hours, allowing clinicians to clear the remaining debris endoscopically without resorting to surgery.
How doctors use this approach
When the cola method is considered, it is always done under medical supervision. Typical steps in the hospital setting include:
- Confirming the diagnosis with imaging or endoscopy
- Assessing the patient’s airway, vomiting risk, blood sugar, and overall stability
- Administering cola via supervised oral intake or through a nasogastric tube
- Reassessing with repeat endoscopy or imaging and performing mechanical fragmentation if needed
This is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s most effective for phytobezoars and less useful for trichobezoars or medication bezoars, which often require endoscopic or surgical removal.
Important cautions — don’t try this at home
The Coca-Cola method might sound simple, but trying it without medical supervision can be dangerous. Considerations and risks include:
- Aspiration risk: Patients with vomiting or impaired consciousness can inhale liquids into the lungs.
- Diabetes and fluid overload: Large amounts of sugary fluid can destabilize blood sugar and fluid balance.
- Ineffectiveness for some bezoar types: Hairballs and certain medication aggregates won’t dissolve with cola.
- Delay in care: Attempting home remedies can delay definitive treatment and worsen outcomes.
Always seek emergency care for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of obstruction. Any such treatment should be administered and monitored by clinicians.
Takeaway
Rushed to emergency care, she recovered in just 24 hours thanks to a treatment… with Coca-Cola — but the real headlines should highlight appropriate medical judgment. The cola treatment is an interesting, low-cost adjunct that, in selected cases and under professional supervision, can dissolve phytobezoars and spare patients from surgery.
If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of gastric obstruction, see a physician promptly. Unconventional remedies can work — but only when used by the right team, in the right circumstances.
Name changed for privacy.