Deadly Tradition: Women Poisoned by Swallowing Fish Gallbladders

According to reports from Wuhan University People's Hospital, during the Chinese New Year, the hospital's emergency department rescued two patients who had ingested fish gallbladders. The patients, who had believed in the supposed benefits of fish gallbladders, such as clearing heat and detoxifying, ended up with severe poisoning, leading to liver and kidney failure.

One of the patients, a woman named Wu, had swallowed a fish gallbladder while making dried fish, and soon after, she experienced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headache. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, and she was transferred to Wuhan University People's Hospital for emergency treatment. After a series of tests, doctors confirmed that Wu had acute kidney failure, liver failure, and coagulation disorders, which put her life at risk.

The hospital's emergency department immediately established a central venous catheter and performed continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) to treat her condition. Another patient, a 71-year-old man, also ingested a fish gallbladder after being misled by a traditional remedy, leading to acute poisoning. Fortunately, both patients were rescued after receiving timely medical treatment.

The toxins in fish gallbladder can cause vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and dizziness. In severe cases, it can lead to liver and kidney failure, and even death. The gallbladder contains a large amount of toxins, including bile acid, cholic acid, hydrogen cyanide, and water-soluble roacholate sulfate sodium. Experts remind the public that many traditional remedies lack scientific basis and can be life-threatening.

Dr. Zhang Miaohong, a physician, warns that the toxins in fish gallbladder can cause acute liver failure, and the damage can be irreversible. The patient, a woman surnamed Wang, swallowed the gallbladder of a flatfish after being told it had detoxifying properties. However, she soon began to experience severe symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue.

The toxins in fish gallbladder are highly potent and can cause cellular energy metabolism disorders, leading to "cellular asphyxia." Even small amounts of bile can be toxic, and cooking or processing the gallbladder does not destroy the toxins. In fact, the toxins can remain active even after the fish is cooked or dried.

Experts emphasize the importance of approaching traditional remedies with a critical and cautious mindset. In the event of accidental ingestion leading to poisoning symptoms, immediate medical attention at a reputable healthcare institution is crucial to prevent delayed treatment and worsening of the condition. According to Zhao Liangbin, Director of the Nephrology Department, instances of poisoning due to misplaced trust in folk remedies are not uncommon.

Zhao stresses that the public should be wary of blindly following folk remedies to avoid triggering illnesses. The composition of fish gallbladder, which includes bile acid, histamine, and other biological toxins, poses significant cellular toxicity. For adults, even a small amount of bile can lead to poisoning, underscoring the lethal potential of such substances.

In conclusion, experts urge the public to exercise extreme caution when considering folk remedies, emphasizing the need for evidence-based medical practices. The dangers associated with unverified remedies serve as a stark reminder of the importance of seeking medical advice from qualified professionals. When physical discomfort arises, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly and follow the advice of professional doctors, adopting scientifically-proven treatment methods.

The medical and pharmaceutical industries must prioritize evidence-based practices and rigorous testing to ensure the safety and efficacy of all medications. By promoting transparency, accountability, and strict quality control measures, we can safeguard public health and well-being. Ultimately, the medical community, regulatory agencies, and the general public must work together to foster a culture of scientific inquiry and critical thinking, where unfounded claims and anecdotal evidence are not relied upon to make life-altering decisions.