In a rare medical case, a 35-year-old man in China, identified as Mr. Ye, broke his femur simply by coughing. Doctors at the Second People’s Hospital of Fujian Province were stunned by the incident, as femur fractures in men his age usually result from significant trauma, such as car accidents or falls.
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Mr. Ye initially experienced sharp pain during a severe coughing fit, believing it was a cramp. When walking became too painful, he sought medical attention, leading doctors to discover his femur. A bone density test revealed that Ye’s bone density was comparable to that of an 80-year-old man. According to Oddity Central, doctors discovered Ye’s extremely fragile bones were due to his unhealthy lifestyle.
While speaking with them, Ye confessed to replacing water with sweet, carbonated drinks, which impaired his body’s calcium absorption. Dr. Dong Zhong stated that cola-based drinks contain phosphoric acid, which combines with dietary calcium to form calcium phosphate, a compound the body struggles to break down.
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Sweet carbonated drinks, particularly cola, may be risky for bone health. Research suggests high intake can be linked to lower bone mineral density, especially in women’s hips. However, plain carbonated water itself doesn’t impact bone health, and it is important to limit sugary sodas and focus on calcium-rich drinks like milk.