Is it just 'tiis ganda' or are your tight clothes posing a risk to your health?
How far is too far for fashion? We often embrace 'tiis ganda,' sacrificing comfort to look our best. But sometimes, the cost can be physical.
On Tuesday, a TV contestant fainted mid-performance during the "Tanghalan ng Kampeon" segment of GMA's TiktoClock. Eula Bautista told 24 Oras that she felt a numbness spreading from her lower body up to her arms.
"'Dun po ako nag-worry sa sarili ko, wala na ko masyadong naririnig. Parang everything is a blur. Tapos ang nasa isip ko na lang, baka na-s-stroke ako," she said.
According to the singer, the medic told her that she fainted due to a lack of oxygen, possibly because of the corset she was wearing.
"Stage rehearsal pa lang po naka six-inch heels na 'ko, naka corset na 'ko na dress. Even po 'yung one-on-one rehearsal with the coach, naka-corset pa rin po ako and ayun, sobrang haba po nung time na suot-suot ko siya," she shared, adding she underwent several tests, including an electrocardiogram, X-ray, and consultation with a psychiatrist to ensure she is in good health.
But what exactly caused her body to shut down under these conditions?
Health risks linked to wearing tight clothing
Dr. Irene Felipe, an internist-pulmonologist, shared with PhilSTAR L!fe that tight clothing, such as skinny jeans, can compress blood vessels, resulting in compromised circulation.
"Veins may be unable to bring the blood back to the heart, which may lead to swelling (edema), leg discomfort, and tingling sensations," she said, adding that it can also lead to numbness.
She added that tight clothing can also lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. During periods of activity, the body requires extra oxygen—a demand the lungs cannot easily fulfill if their movement is limited by clothing.
"Compression around the abdomen can lead to less blood returning to the heart, which also means less blood being pumped out to the body," she noted.
"Lastly, pain, fatigue, overheating, and stress can trigger a vasovagal reflex that causes an abrupt fall in blood pressure, leading to decreased blood flow to the brain," she added.
She furthered that since it can also put pressure on the abdomen, it can cause acid reflux, bloating, or gastric upset.
Felipe added that clothing like corsets can also affect breathing, as they can restrict the respiratory system.
"Corsets or tight clothing around the abdomen and waist can affect the respiratory system by restricting chest and lung expansion and compromising the movement of the diaphragm (the main muscle of respiration), making breathing shallower and making it more difficult to sing, dance, or exercise," she explained.
On the outside, she added that tightly fitted clothes can also harm the skin as they can cause irritation, abrasions, rashes, and even fungal infections, especially in warm climates like the Philippines.
"These problems increase the tighter the clothes are and the longer they are worn," Felipe said.
Warning signs
According to the pulmonologist, one should remove or at least loosen the tight clothing when they are experiencing:
- chest or abdominal discomfort
- palpitations
- shortness of breath
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- tunneling or blurring of vision
- numbness, burning, or tingling in the lower extremities
- swelling of the feet (bipedal edema)
- skin irritation
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any questions you may have.