DeepSummary
In the podcast episode, a semi-professional tennis player named Bonnie Bishop experienced sudden and severe cramping pain throughout her body while swimming laps one morning. Despite being in peak physical condition, the pain was so intense that she nearly drowned. After being admitted to the hospital, her doctors initially suspected cancer due to her elevated white blood cell count but found no evidence of tumors or leukemia.
As Bonnie's condition worsened with fluid buildup and breathing difficulties, doctors performed emergency surgery to drain over a gallon of fluid from her body. However, they still could not determine the underlying cause. When more patients with identical symptoms surfaced, the doctors realized they might be dealing with a new contagious condition.
Finally, after examining the medications and supplements taken by all the patients, the doctors discovered a link to a contaminated batch of the over-the-counter sleep aid l-tryptophan from a Japanese company. This led to a nationwide recall and ban of the product, saving Bonnie and others from a potentially fatal illness known as eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS).
Key Episodes Takeaways
- A contaminated batch of the over-the-counter sleep aid l-tryptophan from a Japanese company caused a nationwide outbreak of eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS).
- Prompt medical attention and decisive action by doctors were crucial in identifying the cause and preventing further spread of the illness.
- EMS caused severe muscle cramping, fluid buildup, breathing difficulties, and life-threatening complications due to an extreme elevation in white blood cell counts.
- The outbreak led to a nationwide recall and temporary ban of l-tryptophan supplements in the United States.
- The case highlights the importance of thorough testing and quality control in the manufacturing of supplements and medications.
- Doctors must remain vigilant and open-minded when faced with new, unexplained illnesses, especially those that appear to be contagious.
- The human body's immune response, while intended to fight off infections, can sometimes become dangerously overactive and cause severe harm.
- Collaborative efforts between medical professionals and health authorities are essential in addressing public health emergencies and preventing widespread outbreaks.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Doctor Blevins paged the head surgeon and then asked Bonnie's nurses to prepare for an emergency surgery.“ by Mister Ballin
- “If they didn't reduce the swelling, the pain would actually only get worse. He said he was glad she came in right away.“ by Doctor William Blevins
- “Doctor Blevins realized that Doctor Hertzmann was essentially telling him that these women's cases could be linked, which meant both women might have been exposed to the same thing that made them sick. But it also meant something else, the doctors could be witnessing the beginning of a new contagious condition, but they had no idea what was causing it.“ by Mister Ballin
- “If he could find one single link between all three of these women, he could probably figure out what was making them sick. And if he acted fast, he could potentially save all of their lives.“ by Mister Ballin
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Episode Information
MrBallen's Medical Mysteries
Wondery
4/9/24
A semi-pro tennis player nearly drowns in the pool when she suffers sudden, cramping pain in her midsection. Her doctors fear she has cancer, but then they realize that other people are showing the exact same symptoms.
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