A 26-year-old man from Dien Bien was admitted to Dien Bien General Hospital on 26/12/2024 in a comatose state, experiencing severe respiratory failure and frothing at the mouth with pink foam. The critical condition arose after he self-administered an intravenous (iv) infusion at home, believing it would detoxify him from heavy alcohol consumption two days prior. During the infusion, his breathing rapidly worsened, and he became cyanotic, prompting his family to rush him to the emergency room.

Upon examination, doctors diagnosed the patient with severe respiratory failure, noting a significant decrease in his blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). Auscultation revealed bilateral wet crackles in his lungs, and a subsequent chest X-ray confirmed acute pulmonary edema.

The emergency team promptly secured his airway, administered diuretics, and initiated intensive resuscitation efforts. After stabilizing his initial critical state, the patient was transferred to the Intensive Care and Anti-poisoning Department for specialized treatment. He is currently on a mechanical ventilator via an endotracheal tube, showing improved respiratory function, pink skin and mucous membranes, and temporarily stable vital signs.

Doctor Duong Van Ninh, from the hospital's Intensive Care and Anti-poisoning Department, emphasized that iv infusion is a medical intervention that requires a doctor's specific order and close monitoring. He warned that self-administering infusions can lead to severe complications such as: anaphylaxis, sepsis, and critically, circulatory overload. This overload can rapidly progress to acute pulmonary edema and respiratory failure, posing an immediate threat to life.

For individuals who have recently consumed alcohol, their cardiovascular and excretory systems are already under strain. Administering additional fluids in this state significantly increases the risk of acute pulmonary edema and acute heart failure. Furthermore, self-administering iv infusions harbors numerous other severe dangers, including: anaphylactic shock, air embolism, and blood infections, all of which carry a very high mortality rate without immediate access to emergency medical equipment.

Doctors strongly advise the public against self-administering iv infusions or injections at home, stressing that such practices should not be considered a means of health enhancement or alcohol detoxification. Instead, individuals should rehydrate and replenish electrolytes orally by consuming oresol, fruit juice, or thin congee. If abnormal symptoms like: severe fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or cyanosis occur, particularly after alcohol consumption, it is imperative to seek prompt medical attention for examination, consultation, and timely treatment.

Thuy Quynh