Taiwanese delivery driver diagnosed with end-stage renal failure at 26

A 26-year-old delivery driver in Taiwan, identified as Mr. Chen, has been diagnosed with end-stage renal failure following a life-threatening medical emergency. After experiencing sudden severe shortness of breath and chest tightness, he was rushed to the emergency room where doctors found dangerously high urea levels, leading to acute pulmonary edema.

Medical professionals, including nephrologist Hung Yung-hsiang, noted that the patient's lifestyle contributed to the condition. Mr. Chen reportedly consumed one to two large milk teas daily to maintain alertness during long shifts, sometimes using them as meal replacements. Additionally, a lack of sleep due to late-night phone and gaming use exacerbated his physical decline. He had previously ignored warning signs such as facial swelling and difficulty urinating, attributing them to work fatigue.