An 11-year-old boy in China had to be rushed to hospital for treatment to damage he suffered after spending an entire day frantically completing his summer homework.
The boy experienced rapid breathing, numb limbs and “claw-like” fingers and was diagnosed with a respiratory condition.
On August 26, the 11-year-old boy, identified as Liangliang from Changsha in Hunan province, southern China, experienced severe symptoms after catching up on homework from 8am to 10pm with no breaks.
By 11pm, under mounting pressure from his parents, he became agitated and suffered rapid breathing, dizziness, headaches and numbness in his limbs.
His parents immediately rushed him to hospital.
Doctors quickly diagnosed him with a respiratory condition caused by hyperventilation.
After being fitted with a breathing mask and guided to regulate the rhythm of his breathing, Liangliang’s symptoms gradually subsided.
The particular respiratory condition he had is brought on when an individual breathes too quickly and deeply, often due to emotional agitation.
The symptoms can include chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, heart palpitations, numbness in the hands, feet, lips and even the entire body.
In more severe cases, it can lead to generalised muscle stiffness or “chicken claw hands”.
According to Changsha Central Hospital, their paediatric emergency department alone admitted more than 30 teenagers with similar symptoms in August, a tenfold increase compared to other months.
While intense academic pressure plays a major role, emotional agitation is a key trigger.
Causes can include arguments, exam anxiety, sudden fright or prolonged mobile phone use.
Zhang Xiaofo, Director of the Paediatric Department at Changsha Central Hospital, said that in severe cases the condition can be fatal.
For immediate first aid, Zhang recommended calming the patient and using a simple technique, having them breathe into a paper or plastic bag placed over the mouth.
The case has gone viral on mainland social media.
One online observer said: “Honestly, if that pressure had come a bit earlier, maybe the last-minute homework scramble could have been avoided. Smart kids always finish their work early.”
Another person said: “I still remember my school days. I crammed all my homework into just three days. I wrote seven essays in a single day and finished half the summer workbook the next. Truly unforgettable.”
“This child’s experience is a powerful reminder of how important time management really is,” said a third. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
