In Yunnan Province, a 7-year-old boy from Pu’er City was experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing and coughing. When he went to the hospital for treatment, he unexpectedly coughed up a leech. This news made headlines on Baidu’s trending searches on January 10 and sparked discussions among netizens.
According to reports from mainland China media outlets such as Guangming Net on January 8, the boy, known as Xiaoxiang, had been suffering from symptoms like respiratory issues, coughing, and bloody phlegm for about a month. Despite receiving treatment at local hospitals, his condition did not improve. His parents then took him to the pediatric department of Pu’er City People’s Hospital for further examination.
While conducting necessary tests, medical staff at the hospital administered nebulization therapy and intravenous infusion of ambroxol for Xiaoxiang. During nebulization treatment, Xiaoxiang suddenly started coughing violently, and a black object was expelled from his throat. Upon closer inspection, medical personnel were shocked to find out that it was a live leech about 12 centimeters long.
To confirm if there were any more leeches remaining inside Xiaoxiang’s body, doctors immediately performed a bronchoscopy examination but did not find any additional traces of leeches.
Despite this, due to the leech residing in Xiaoxiang’s airway for an extended period, it led to severe lung infection and atelectasis. In order to improve the lung infection, doctors conducted alveolar lavage to remove phlegm plugs from the lungs and restore airway patency.
Regarding how the leech managed to enter Xiaoxiang’s body, doctors analyzed that Xiaoxiang lived in a rural area and frequently played by the village stream. It is likely that he unknowingly inhaled leech larvae or eggs while playing. The ample oxygen, rich blood supply, and moist environment in the airway provided an ideal living space for the leech.
Doctors mentioned that it was fortunate Xiaoxiang sought medical attention promptly; otherwise, as the leech grew in size, it could have potentially blocked his airway, causing suffocation and posing a serious threat to his life.
The news drew the attention and discussions of hundreds of netizens.
Some netizens advised caution when going out to play or to the wilderness, recommending not to drink untreated or unfiltered mountain springs or stream water to avoid ingesting parasites. They emphasized the importance of seeking medical help promptly upon experiencing any discomfort.
A netizen named “CrazyMessiFan” commented, “Shocking! We must pay attention to the hygiene of drinking water when going out to play, especially mountain spring water. It may look clear, but who knows how many dangers lurk within!”
Another netizen, “ClumsyHamster,” expressed, “All sorts of demons seem to be emerging now. I remember drinking cool water for 3 years without any issues when I was young, straight from the well. Not anymore, now drinking cool water gives me a stomach ache.”
“Thinking World” lamented, “This kid really has a stroke of luck, luckily he coughed it out. However, with a lung infection, coming to the hospital seems a bit late; if they had come earlier, the child wouldn’t have suffered for a whole month.”