Jordan Ellis
There are numerous ways in which a person can end up in the hospital, some of which are more embarrassing than others. For instance, a 35-year-old man broke his ankle while windsurfing, while a 38-year-old man fractured his larynx by pinching his nose while sneezing. In another instance, a Texas man was diagnosed with auto-brewery syndrome, a rare disease that causes severe intoxication without alcohol consumption. Aside from these unusual cases, common causes of hospital visits include falls, especially in the bathroom, kitchen accidents, and wearing skinny jeans or flip-flops, which can lead to various health issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Slips and falls | 8 million hospital visits a year in the U.S. |
| Kitchen accidents | Handling sharp knives, cheese graters, hot stoves, or appliances like blenders |
| Sitting for over 8 hours a day | Similar risk of dying as smokers or obese people |
| Distracted walking | Accidents due to being glued to phones while walking, texting, or scrolling through social media |
| Sneezing incorrectly | A 38-year-old man fractured his larynx by pinching his nose and closing his mouth while sneezing |
| Wearing skinny jeans | Compression of nerves that run along the tops of thighs, leading to numbness in feet or legs and a burning sensation in the outer thigh |
| Overstuffed wallet | Twists the spine and pinches the sciatic nerves, resulting in conditions like sciatica and herniated disks |
| Wearing flip-flops | Can lead to tendonitis in the feet, as well as knee and hip problems due to altered walking gait |
| Drinking too much water | Excess water dilutes essential minerals and nutrients in the blood, potentially leading to hyponatremia, a toxic condition |
| Working out too vigorously | Excessive squat exercises can lead to "rhabdo" outbreak, a condition where muscles feel like they're exploding |
| Unusual objects entering the body | Coffee beans stuck in nostrils, bugs flying into ears |
| Auto-brewery syndrome | A rare disease where the body ferments food into alcohol, leading to severe intoxication |
| Appendicitis | A common condition that often requires immediate surgery |
| Anaphylaxis | Allergic reactions to products like hospital-grade cleaning agents can cause breathing issues and skin burns |
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What You'll Learn
Sitting for over 8 hours a day
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Sitting still for too long can cause a clot to form in your leg, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This can become serious if the clot breaks free and travels to your lung. While some people may experience swelling and pain, others may not exhibit any symptoms at all. Therefore, it is important to break up long sitting sessions and keep your body active.
Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes: A sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Sitting for extended periods slows down blood flow, allowing fatty acids to clog the heart. It also affects your body's ability to regulate insulin, leading to increased blood sugar levels. Research suggests that people who spend more time sitting have a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes.
Muscle Weakness and Poor Posture: Prolonged sitting weakens and wastes away the large leg and gluteal muscles, which are crucial for walking and stability. Weakened muscles increase the likelihood of injuries from falls and strains during exercise. Additionally, poor posture while sitting for long hours can lead to neck strain, an inflexible spine, disk damage, and even reduced brain function.
Weight Gain and Obesity: Sitting for over 8 hours a day, especially when combined with excessive screen time, increases your risk of becoming overweight or obese. This is because your body burns fewer calories and fat when sedentary, leading to potential weight gain.
Cancer: Sitting for long periods has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including colon, endometrial, lung, and breast cancer. The odds of developing cancer are influenced more by the amount of sitting than solely by physical activity levels.
To mitigate the risks associated with sitting for extended periods, it is essential to incorporate movement into your daily routine. Stand up and stretch regularly, take walks, and incorporate physical activities throughout your day.
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Wearing skinny jeans
Skinny jeans have been a popular fashion item for years, but they can have some serious health consequences. In 2015, a 35-year-old woman from Australia was hospitalised after wearing skinny jeans while helping a family member move. The task involved prolonged squatting, which restricted blood supply to the nerves and muscles in her lower legs, leading to a condition called compartment syndrome. As a result, the woman's legs were swollen, and she experienced numbness and muscle damage. She spent four days in the hospital on intravenous fluids and was unable to walk until she was discharged.
This is not an isolated incident. In 2011, a doctor in Tarrytown, New York, reported a case of a 15-year-old soccer player who experienced numbness and tingling in her leg due to wearing compression shorts. Additionally, previous studies have linked tight jeans to an increased risk of fungal infections, bladder weakness, and urinary tract infections.
The fabric of skinny jeans can put pressure on the nerves and muscles, especially when squatting or crossing your legs. This pressure can restrict blood flow and lead to swelling and impaired sensation. While this is a risk for anyone wearing skinny jeans, it is essential to recognise that the younger demographic that typically wears this style of jeans is less likely to experience these issues due to their generally healthier vascular systems.
To avoid potential health complications, it is essential to use common sense when wearing skinny jeans or any tight clothing. If your jeans are causing you discomfort or your legs swell when you sit down, it is best to choose a different pair of pants. While it may seem fashionable to wear skinny jeans, your health should always come first.
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Sneezing incorrectly
Sneezing is an involuntary, forceful, explosive flow of air through the nose and mouth. It is a reflex reaction to the lining of the nose, the mucous membranes, being irritated. When the sensory fibres of these membranes in the nose or throat become irritated, this stimulates the endings of the trigeminal nerve, a main cranial nerve that provides sensation to the face. The nerve then sends a message to the brain, which tells the body to sneeze to clear the nose and throat passages.
While sneezing is usually harmless, it can have serious consequences if done incorrectly. Holding in a sneeze, for example, can increase pressure inside the respiratory system to a level of about 5 to 24 times that caused by the sneeze itself. This additional pressure can cause potential injuries, such as rupturing the back of the throat, perforating the tympanic membrane (eardrum), or even causing the rupture of a cerebral aneurysm (a ballooning blood vessel in the brain).
In one case, a 34-year-old man presented to the emergency room with a ruptured throat after attempting to quash a sneeze by blocking his nostrils and mouth. He experienced an immediate popping sensation in his neck, which quickly swelled up, causing pain and making it difficult for him to swallow or speak. Doctors detected crepitus, or cracking and popping sounds, from his neck down to his rib cage, indicating the presence of air bubbles in the deep tissues and muscles of the chest.
To avoid these complications, it is important to let the sneeze out and not hold it in. If you need to sneeze, it is recommended to do so into the crook of your elbow or a tissue to prevent the spread of germs. Additionally, frequent handwashing and wearing a mask can help reduce the transmission of bacteria and viruses associated with sneezing.
While it may be tempting to hold in a sneeze in certain social situations, it is much safer to let it out and practice good hygiene etiquette to protect your health and the health of those around you.
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Bathroom slips
Slipping in the bathroom is one of the most common ways people end up in the hospital. Wet and slippery surfaces in showers and bathtubs are prime spots for accidents, causing over 230,000 injuries in the US annually. These accidents can result in anything from bruises to broken bones and concussions. While elderly adults are particularly vulnerable, anyone can take a fall if they're not careful. Here are some tips to avoid slipping in the bathroom:
Use non-slip mats and tape: Prevent slips and falls by using non-slip mats in your bathtub and on your bathroom floor. You can also secure rugs with slip-resistant tape or backing to prevent them from slipping.
Install grab bars and rails: Install grab bars and rails in your bathroom, especially next to the toilet and around the tub and shower. These provide a sturdy surface to support yourself and reduce the risk of falling. Avoid using substitutes like shelves or soap dishes, as they may not be able to hold your weight.
Improve strength and balance: Engage in gentle exercises like Tai Chi to improve your strength and balance, making falls less likely. This is especially important as we grow older and maintaining balance becomes more challenging.
Be aware of medications: Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing the chances of a fall. Talk to your doctor about any medications you're taking, as they may be able to prescribe alternatives or advise you on managing side effects.
Keep your bathroom clean and dry: Soapy residue, mould, and water leaks can create slippery or unsteady surfaces. Use a weighted shower curtain to prevent water from leaking onto the floor, and wipe up any excess water with a towel or non-slip mat.
Slow down and pay attention: Rushing through your morning routine can lead to accidents. Take your time when using the bathroom, and pay attention to your surroundings and potential hazards.
By following these simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of slipping and falling in the bathroom and avoid an unwanted trip to the hospital.
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Kitchen accidents
Kitchens are a common place for accidents, with two-thirds of home fires starting in the kitchen, 480 people dying a year in kitchen fires, and 350,000 people injured by kitchen knives annually. The most common kitchen injuries are burns, fires, and lacerations, often caused by hot surfaces, boiling water, steam, or sharp objects. Here are some tips to help you avoid kitchen accidents and stay safe:
Preventing Kitchen Accidents:
- Stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep an eye on things.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure your smoke alarm is working.
- Keep flammable items like oven mitts, paper towels, and dishrags away from stovetops.
- Use a lid, baking soda, or salt to smother grease fires; never throw water on them.
- If a fire gets out of control, leave the kitchen and call emergency services.
- Keep sharp knives and utensils in a visible, safe place, and always cut away from your body.
- Don't attempt to catch a falling knife; let it drop.
- Use a cutting board when cutting food instead of holding it in your hand.
- Keep children and pets out of the kitchen while cooking to prevent distractions and accidents.
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent slips and falls.
- Store heavy pots and pans on lower shelves, and use step stools to reach high items.
- Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your kitchen and familiarise yourself with its contents.
Treating Common Kitchen Injuries:
Burns:
- Cool the burn under running water for 10-20 minutes. Avoid using ice as it can damage the skin.
- Remove any tight items like jewellery or clothing around the burn before swelling starts.
- Cover the burn with a sterile dressing or a clean cloth to prevent infection.
- Seek medical attention for larger burns, burns on the face or joints, or deep burns.
Cuts:
- Clean the wound with soap and water.
- Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding.
- Use antibacterial ointment and a bandage for minor wounds.
Slips and Falls:
- If you fall, check for injuries before trying to get up.
- Slowly rise to your hands and knees, and crawl to a chair to pull yourself up.
- If you can't get up or suspect a broken bone, call for help or emergency services.
Eye Injuries:
- Rinse the affected eye with lukewarm water or milk, especially if exposed to hot peppers or cleaning solutions.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persist.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the most common ways people end up in the hospital are due to falls, especially in the bathroom where wet and slippery surfaces cause over 230,000 injuries in the US annually. Kitchen injuries are also a leading cause of emergency room visits, with cuts, lacerations, burns, and puncture wounds being the most common.
Some unusual reasons for hospital visits include a moth flying into a pizza delivery man's ear, a 38-year-old man fracturing his larynx by pinching his nose and closing his mouth while sneezing, and a 5-year-old girl putting a coffee bean up her nose.
Yes, some everyday activities that could increase your chances of ending up in the hospital include sitting for long periods without physical activity, wearing skinny jeans or flip-flops, overstuffing your wallet, drinking too much water, and working out too vigorously.
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