Taiwan man suffers acute kidney failure after drinking stored coffee

A 30-year-old man in Taiwan nearly died from acute kidney failure after consuming an iced latte that had been improperly stored. The man, identified as Mr. Hsu, had left the drink at room temperature for an entire afternoon before placing it in the refrigerator to drink the following morning.

Shortly after consumption, he experienced severe abdominal pain, continuous vomiting, and uncontrollable diarrhea. These symptoms led to extreme dehydration and exhaustion, resulting in a semi-comatose state upon emergency admission. Medical tests revealed a critical drop in kidney function, necessitating potential long-term dialysis.

Nephrologist Hung Yung-hsiang explained that the primary issue was food poisoning caused by improper storage rather than the coffee itself. The intense vomiting and diarrhea caused a sudden drop in blood flow to the kidneys. This shock was particularly dangerous because the patient had a pre-existing history of chronic glomerulonephritis.