4-year-old HK boy dies after reportedly ingesting unprescribed herbal pills, mother arrested
According to Hong Kong police, a four-year-old boy collapsed at the residence in To Kwa Wan yesterday (Sept. 29) and died after ingesting unprescribed herbal medication, which was brought from the Mainland by his mother. His mother was arrested on suspicion of mistreating or neglecting her son.
It was reported that the 37-year-old mother had given her son, who had a history of asthma, two herbal pills she had brought from the Mainland. However, the pills were not prescribed by any medical professional.
When paramedics arrived on the scene, the boy was found unconscious. He was sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital but was later pronounced dead at approximately 7:30 p.m. that evening.
So Yiu-wah, President of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Hong Kong, said that it is difficult to ascertain the ingredients in the herbal pills, so it remains unclear whether the boy died from poisoning or an allergic reaction. He noted that patients with asthma tend to be more sensitive to various substances, which increases the likelihood of allergic reactions.
While he understands that parents may seek alternative treatments or remedies for their children's chronic illnesses, he emphasizes the dangers of such practices.
He also pointed out that HK's advanced healthcare system typically allows ambulances to arrive within 30 minutes. He advised that if parents notice signs of an allergic reaction in their children, such as difficulty breathing, they should immediately call an ambulance to ensure timely medical intervention.
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