35-year-old man breaks hardest bone in the human body while coughing

A startling case has emerged from China where a 35-year-old man allegedly broke his femur, the hardest or second hardest bone in the human body, while experiencing a coughing fit. This incident, reported by doctors at the Second People's Hospital of Fujian Province, is quite rare as fractures in the femur typically occur due to severe trauma from accidents or falls from great heights. The unnamed man, referred to as Mr. Ye, initially dismissed the sharp pain that arose after a particularly forceful cough, assuming it was merely a cramp. It was only when the pain hindered his ability to walk that he sought medical assistance. This was reported by SSPDaily.

Upon examination using an X-ray, doctors confirmed a fracture in Mr. Ye's femur. However, his explanation of the cough-induced incident appeared puzzling, as there were no signs of physical trauma. The medical team, led by Dr. Dong Zhong, delved deeper into his medical history, diet, and lifestyle to unravel this mysterious case. Bone density tests further exacerbated concerns as it revealed that Mr. Ye had the bone density of an 80-year-old man, which is highly unusual for someone of his age and sedentary lifestyle.

With no apparent bone-related illnesses detected, the doctors determined that Mr. Ye's brittle bones could be attributed to habitual consumption of cola-based drinks, poor dietary choices, and lack of exercise. Shockingly, Mr. Ye revealed that he had replaced a significant portion of his water intake with carbonated and sugary beverages over extended periods of time, hindering his body's ability to absorb calcium effectively and consequently affecting his bone density.

Dr. Dong Zhong further clarified that the harmful impact stems from phosphoric acid present in these drinks which, upon entering the body, binds with calcium from normal food intake to form calcium phosphate. This compound becomes more challenging for the human body to assimilate, thereby resulting in detrimental consequences on bone density over prolonged consumption.

This cautionary tale emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyle habits to maintain strong and resilient bones. The exploration of this rare occurrence prompts discussions surrounding the potential risks associated with excessive consumption of sugary and carbonated beverages. Proper dietary choices, regular exercise, and moderation in the consumption of such drinks are crucial steps toward maintaining optimal bone health.