Life-Threatening Chickenpox: Why Medical Advice Matters

A female patient with severe chickenpox was admitted to a hospital in Hanoi at the age of 17. Her symptoms included blisters all over her body, high fever, severe pain, inability to walk, delirium, irritability, and organ failure. These were caused by coagulation disorders, reduced platelet count, and elevated liver enzymes.

The patient had 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.

To treat the patient’s symptoms, antiviral chickenpox medicine and other resuscitation measures were administered. After a week of treatment, the patient gradually stabilized. It is important for individuals 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.

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. It is crucial to follow medical advice and avoid self-medicating especially with strong drugs that can worsen the condition.

Doctor Tran Van Bac from the Central Tropical Diseases Hospital described the patient’s symptoms as severe chickenpox after her family gave her herbal medicine and strong anti-inflammatory drugs that made her condition worse.

The patient developed blisters on her back and chest after coming into contact with her younger sister who had chickenpox. Initially, her family tried treating her with traditional remedies but eventually sought treatment at a local medical facility where she was given Dexamethasone.

However, despite receiving this medication, the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly until she was diagnosed with severe chickenpox with superinfection – functional ileus and high risk of death.

Treatment for the patient included antiviral chickenpox medication as well as other resuscitation measures such as intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy.

After a week in hospital, the patient began to recover slowly but steadily until she was discharged on a reduced dose of medication.

It is important to note that while most cases of chickenpox are relatively mild, there are some risks associated with it particularly for individuals who are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes.

In conclusion, it is essential to seek medical advice when showing signs of any infectious disease including chickenpox to prevent complications that could lead to serious health problems or even death in extreme cases.