Dangerous Self-Medication: 17-Year-Old Female Patient Suffers Life-Threatening Complications from Chickenpox Treatment

A 17-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital in Hanoi with severe chickenpox after her family gave her herbal medicine and strong anti-inflammatory drugs. She had developed blisters on her back and chest after coming into contact with her younger sister who had chickenpox. The patient’s symptoms included blisters all over her body, high fever, severe pain, inability to walk, delirium, irritability, and organ failure. Tests revealed coagulation disorders, reduced platelet count, and elevated liver enzymes.

After initially trying herbal medicine at a local medical facility, she was given Dexamethasone. However, this worsened her condition, leading to a diagnosis of severe chickenpox with superinfection – functional ileus and high risk of death. Treatment included antiviral chickenpox medicine and resuscitation measures. After a week of treatment, the patient gradually stabilized.

Chickenpox is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus and is transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact with blister fluid. While most cases have a benign course, certain groups are at risk of complications due to weakened immune systems or pre-existing medical conditions. Corticosteroid-containing drugs can increase the severity of the illness by suppressing the immune response necessary for recovery from infection.

When showing signs of chickenpox, it is crucial to seek medical advice and treatment promptly. Most cases can be managed at home with supportive care such as rest and fluids but special groups or those with complications may require hospitalization.

It is essential to follow medical advice and avoid self-medicating with strong drugs that can worsen the condition or interact negatively with other medications being prescribed for co-morbidities.

In conclusion, severe cases of chickenpox like this one should be treated promptly by healthcare professionals to avoid life-threatening complications such as functional ileus or organ failure. It is crucial for individuals who come into contact with someone who has chickenpox or those who suspect they may have been exposed to take immediate action by seeking medical attention while avoiding self-medication practices that could worsen their condition.