I’m pretty sure that everyone has experienced the pain and frustration of constipation. You’ve probably sat on the toilet bowl wondering what you’ve done to deserve such a condition, and you strain yourself, concentrating every part of your mind and body on the “deed”, until finally, it’s done. That’s what usually happens, right? You wouldn’t die because of constipation, right?
Well, unfortunately for one elderly 72-year-old man in Zhejiang Province, he wasn’t that lucky.
Pre-Existing Medical Condition
The man who was known as Mr Song reportedly had constipation for three consecutive days. Unwilling to take the torment any further, he decided to give it one more shot at relieving himself before he went to bed on 7 January.
However, he lost consciousness during his attempt and was later rushed to the hospital by his family.
To their shock, the doctors were unable to save him.
The doctors explained that Mr Song exerted too much force in the toilet, causing his chest pressure to spike and his heart rate to drop drastically, which eventually resulted in his heart stopping.
According to Sin Chew Daily, Mr Song had pre-existing medical conditions – coronary artery disease and high blood pressure – which most likely resulted in his untimely and unfortunate passing.
Fainting Not Uncommon
In case you think that his loss of consciousness was an isolated case, it’s not.
According to Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Mr Song most probably suffered a fainting spell called Vasovagal syncope during his straining attempt in the toilet. Apparently, “straining may trigger the vasovagal reflex and syncope” of elderly people who have constipation, causing them to lose consciousness.
In order to get rid of this faintness, it is advised for one to lay on their back with their knees bent. If this is not convenient or possible, one can also attempt to do a low squat.
While this fainting spell may not be considered life-threatening, it was probably more severe in Mr Song’s case because of his pre-existing medical conditions.
It is sad that Mr Song passed away so suddenly and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.
