"Drinking Carelessly Can Be Dangerous": 7-Year-Old Hospitalized in ICU After Two Cold Drinks

Experts Warn: Children and Elderly Should Avoid Excessive Consumption of Cold Beverages

A story has emerged about a 7-year-old boy in China who was admitted to the intensive care unit after experiencing sudden abdominal pain following the consumption of two cold drinks.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on June 15 (local time), the boy, who lives in Henan Province, China, was recently hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University after displaying symptoms of abdominal pain and vomiting. Tests revealed that he was diagnosed with "acute intestinal volvulus," a condition where the intestine twists and becomes blocked.

His attending physician, Huo Yufeng, stated that severe necrosis was also found in part of the child's intestine. It was reported that the boy had been playing outside in hot weather and drank a cola with ice, followed by an iced milk tea. Dr. Huo explained that excessive consumption of cold beverages and sugary carbonated drinks was the cause of his symptoms.

The medical team advised that children under the age of three should avoid suddenly drinking large amounts of ice water or cold beverages, as their intestines have not fully developed. They also warned that elderly people with decreased intestinal function should refrain from excessive intake of cold drinks, as it could trigger gastrointestinal or cardiovascular diseases.

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Experts recommended that adults limit their daily intake of cold beverages to under 500 ml, while children and the elderly should reduce that amount to half. They also suggested that it is preferable to drink cold beverages one to two hours after a meal rather than immediately afterward, and to avoid consuming them on an empty stomach or right after exercising.

Local internet users who came across this story responded in various ways. One commented, "Even for adults, drinking two cold beverages in a row can be tough. It seems the child was overly pampered. There's a saying, 'If you spoil a child too much, you end up ruining them.'" Another user said, "I always tell my child not to drink cold beverages right after exercising."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.