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. The patient had developed blisters on her back and chest after coming into contact with her younger sister who had chickenpox. Her family initially tried herbal medicine before seeking treatment at a local medical facility where she was given Dexamethasone. However, her condition worsened, and she was diagnosed with severe chickenpox with superinfection – functional ileus and high risk of death.
Tests showed coagulation disorders, reduced platelet count, and elevated liver enzymes. 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, and corticosteroid-containing drugs can increase the severity of the illness.
Treatment included antiviral chickenpox medicine and other resuscitation measures, and after a week, the patient gradually stabilized. It is important to seek medical advice when showing signs of chickenpox as most cases can be managed at home but special groups or those with complications may require hospitalization. Following medical advice is crucial to avoid self-medicating with strong drugs that can worsen the condition.
The Central Tropical Diseases Hospital’s Doctor Tran Van Bac described the patient’s symptoms as blisters all over her body, high fever, severe pain, inability to walk, delirium, irritability, and organ failure. The case highlights how even mild symptoms of chickenpox can lead to severe complications if left untreated or treated improperly.
Families should educate themselves on proper ways to manage chickenpox outbreaks in their households while seeking prompt medical attention if necessary. It is also essential to understand that some medications may interact negatively with corticosteroid-containing drugs used to treat chickenpox.
In conclusion, it is crucial for patients to follow medical advice when experiencing symptoms of chickenpox and for families to take precautions when managing outbreaks in their homes. Severe cases require prompt medical attention from experienced doctors who can provide appropriate treatment options and prevent further complications.