Self-treating bone fractures with herbal poultices: Lessons learned from a dangerous pulmonary embolism case.
The unauthorized use of unproven folk remedies or prolonged immobility can lead to dangerous consequences such as blood clot formation, joint stiffness, and serious health problems.
Recently, Medlatec General Hospital successfully received and treated a patient with a severe pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot.
The cause stems from the self-treatment of injuries sustained in household accidents using folk remedies.
Patient PTH, 62 years old, residing in Hung Yen , was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of palpitations, chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, fatigue, poor appetite, headache, and insomnia. These symptoms appeared after a domestic accident that resulted in a fracture of the right tibial plateau.
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Instead of going to a medical facility, the patient applied herbal poultices at home and remained immobile for 12 days. Later, when she experienced persistent pain and fever, she bought medicine to take on her own, but it did not alleviate her symptoms.
At Medlatec Hospital, tests showed elevated D-Dimer levels, indicating the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels.
Lower extremity venous ultrasound revealed a thrombus completely occluding the lumen of the right leg. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed pulmonary embolism due to the thrombus migrating from the leg.
The doctor concluded that the blood clot formed due to trauma combined with prolonged immobilization that was not properly treated.
The patient was promptly admitted to the hospital for inpatient treatment with injectable anticoagulants. After 7 days of intensive treatment, Mrs. H.'s health improved significantly; she no longer experienced shortness of breath or chest pain, could walk normally, and was discharged from the hospital.
However, to prevent recurrence, Ms. H. had to continue taking anticoagulant medication for 3 to 6 months. After a follow-up examination two months later, ultrasound and angiography results showed that the blood clot had completely disappeared.
Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, preventing blood from flowing from the heart to the lungs. This is a dangerous condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, dizziness, sweating, and pain or swelling in the lower extremities.
Dr. Pham Duy Hung, Deputy Head of the Internal Medicine Department at Medlatec General Hospital, points out that the main cause of pulmonary embolism is deep vein thrombosis, especially in the lower extremities. Prolonged immobilization, trauma, or improper self-treatment increase the risk of blood clot formation, leading to vascular obstruction.
Treatment for pulmonary embolism aims to prevent the blood clot from growing larger and to prevent the formation of new blood clots. Without timely intervention, this condition can increase pressure on the heart, leading to heart failure or sudden death.
Based on this case, Dr. Pham Duy Hung advises that when injured, especially in the lower limbs, people should go to medical facilities for proper examination and treatment.
The unauthorized use of unproven folk remedies or prolonged immobility can lead to dangerous consequences such as blood clot formation, joint stiffness, and serious health problems.
People should pay attention to unusual symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in the legs and seek immediate medical attention for timely diagnosis and treatment. Always prioritize your health and seek medical assistance when necessary.
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