Foot Soaking Fiasco: Young Woman's Brush with Respiratory Distress Serves as Cautionary Tale

The incident occurred on June 3, 2025, when the young woman, identified as Ms. Nie, experienced severe respiratory distress after using a foot bath recipe that had been popularized on social media. According to Ms. Nie's account, she had boiled 50 grams of Sichuan pepper for over 10 minutes and then soaked her feet in the concoction for 13 minutes at around 1 am. Initially, she did not feel any discomfort, but about 10 minutes later, she began to experience difficulty breathing. As the situation worsened, Ms. Nie, who lives alone, quickly realized that she needed help and ran to her neighbor's door, crying out for assistance. She managed to press her own acupressure point to try to stay conscious and avoid fainting. Fortunately, her neighbor heard her cries for help and came to her aid, enabling Ms. Nie to seek medical attention at a nearby hospital.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Ms. Nie's condition had deteriorated, with her hands having become rigid and her entire body weakening, particularly her chest. The medical diagnosis confirmed that she was suffering from respiratory alkalosis, a condition caused by abnormally low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, leading to breathing difficulties. Respiratory alkalosis is a condition that occurs when the body loses too much carbon dioxide through excessive ventilation, leading to an imbalance in the blood's pH levels. This imbalance triggers a series of reactions, resulting in a range of symptoms, including chest tightness, shortness of breath, and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. In severe cases, symptoms can progress to include stiffness in the hands and feet, dizziness, and difficulty speaking.

When these symptoms arise, one can attempt to alleviate them by practicing slow, deep breaths through the nose, allowing the stomach to rise as the lungs fill with air, followed by slow exhalation through the mouth. Repeating this process several times can help mitigate the symptoms. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. The case of Ms. Nie highlights the potential dangers of blindly following trending health remedies without proper understanding or caution. Her condition was diagnosed as respiratory alkalosis, caused by the excessive loss of carbon dioxide, which disrupted her body's acid-base balance.

For single women living alone, it is particularly important to be aware of self-rescue techniques. If breathing difficulties occur, one can try slow and deep breathing exercises or find a quiet place to practice abdominal breathing. Additionally, choosing the right materials for foot soaking and following the correct method is crucial in preventing such incidents. It is essential to be cautious of blindly following online trends and instead, opt for traditional methods that have been proven to be safe and effective. By being mindful of one's own physical condition and selecting suitable materials, women can enjoy the health benefits of foot soaking while minimizing the risks. It is also recommended to consult with a traditional Chinese medicine doctor to determine the most suitable materials and methods for individual needs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. By taking these precautions, women can reap the rewards of foot soaking, including improved circulation, relaxed muscles, and a sense of overall well-being. Ms. Nie expressed regret over following a trend without considering its suitability for her and urged others to exercise caution and not blindly follow popular remedies. Her harrowing experience serves as a warning about the potential dangers of unverified online remedies and the importance of prioritizing one's health and safety above all else.