On 11/9, representatives from Changsha Central Hospital in Hunan province reported that Liangliang, an 11-year-old boy from Changsha, had been working on his summer homework from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. By 11 p.m., under increasing pressure from his parents, he began to experience anxiety, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and numbness in his extremities. His parents immediately took him to the hospital.
Doctors diagnosed Liangliang with hyperventilation, a condition caused by breathing too rapidly and deeply, often triggered by emotional distress. Hyperventilation disrupts the body's balance of oxygen intake and carbon dioxide release.
Excessive rapid breathing expels too much carbon dioxide, lowering blood levels and changing blood pH. This can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including chest tightness, difficulty breathing, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and numbness in the hands, feet, lips, and even the entire body. In severe cases, it can cause full-body muscle stiffness or claw-like hands.
After receiving oxygen and breathing regulation, Liangliang's condition stabilized.
 |
The boy experienced shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and numbness after 14 hours of non-stop homework. Photo: Jimu News |
The boy experienced shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and numbness after 14 hours of non-stop homework. Photo: Jimu News
According to Changsha Central Hospital, the pediatric emergency department treated over 30 similar cases in August, 10 times the usual monthly average. While academic pressure is a factor, emotional distress is the primary trigger for this condition. Dr. Zhang Xiaofan, head of the pediatric department, warned that if left untreated, hyperventilation can be fatal. He recommended calming the patient and having them breathe into a paper or plastic bag to re-inhale exhaled carbon dioxide, restoring blood gas levels and alleviating symptoms.
The incident sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media. Many users expressed sympathy and shared similar experiences from their school days. One user wrote, "I still remember cramming all my homework into the last three days of the holidays. Unforgettable." Another commented, "This child's experience is a powerful reminder of the importance of time management."
Binh Minh (Jimu News, QQ, Today)
