A 58-YEAR-OLD woman surnamed Deng was hospitalized after suffering from a pulmonary embolism following an exceptionally long car journey lasting more than 70 hours.

Deng and her family had been traveling from their hometown in Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province to Shenzhen after the Spring Festival holiday, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported.

Their journey, which should have taken around 20 hours, stretched to over 70 hours due to heavy traffic. To save time, they only took brief breaks at rest stops. Upon their arrival in Shenzhen on Monday, Deng experienced severe shortness of breath, chest distress, and dizziness, leading to her collapse.

She was promptly admitted to Shenzhen Pingle Orthopedic Hospital in Pingshan District, where she was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. Following a comprehensive examination and treatment, Deng is currently in stable condition.

A pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition where blood clots originating in the veins of the legs block lung arteries after traveling to the lungs. Prolonged periods of immobility, such as sitting in a car for extended periods, can pose a serious health risk. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism often manifest suddenly and include shortness of breath, severe chest pain, coughing up blood, and sudden fainting.

Given the potential severity, individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of a pulmonary embolism should seek immediate medical attention to prevent the condition from worsening. Doctors also advise against prolonged car journeys to minimize the risk of such medical emergencies. (Chen Siqi)