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. Doctor Tran Van Bac from the Central Tropical Diseases Hospital described her symptoms as blisters all over her body, high fever, severe pain, inability to walk, delirium, irritability, and organ failure. Tests showed coagulation disorders, reduced platelet count, and elevated liver enzymes.
The patient had initially developed blisters on her back and chest after coming into contact with her younger sister who had chickenpox. However, her condition worsened after taking Dexamethasone. She was diagnosed with severe chickenpox with superinfection – functional ileus and high risk of death.
Treatment included antiviral chickenpox medicine and other 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 the disease usually has a benign course, certain groups are at risk of complications, including those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions. Corticosteroid-containing drugs can increase the severity of the illness by suppressing the immune system’s ability to fight off infection.
It is essential to seek medical advice when showing signs of chickenpox to manage most cases effectively at home or in a hospital setting depending on complications or special needs. It is crucial to avoid self-medicating with strong drugs that can worsen the condition or interact negatively with other medications being taken simultaneously.
In conclusion, severe cases of chickenpox can be life-threatening if not diagnosed promptly and treated appropriately. It is crucial to follow medical advice and avoid self-medication when experiencing symptoms of this viral infection to prevent complications and improve outcomes for patients like this 17-year-old female who suffered severe consequences due to misuse of medication and lack of proper diagnosis early on in her case.