A 67-year-old woman took an antibiotic on her own because of a sore throat, after which she began to struggle to breathe rapidly. Thanks to the prompt assistance of paramedics, the patient was saved from a fatal outcome.
Another case of a severe adverse reaction caused by uncontrolled medication use was reported in Zakarpattia. The ambulance dispatch center received an emergency call from the Tyachiv district: an elderly woman suddenly began to struggle to breathe after taking medication.
According to the Transcarpathian Regional Center for Emergency Medical Care and Disaster Medicine, the critical condition was caused by routine self-medication.
Rapid swelling and a life-threatening situation
After experiencing a sore throat, a 67-year-old woman from Transcarpathia decided to “treat” herself with an antibiotic without consulting a doctor.
Shortly after taking the medication, the woman’s condition deteriorated sharply:
- rapid swelling of the soft tissues of the face, lips, and larynx began;
- her upper airways became blocked, causing severe shortness of breath and suffocation;
- she experienced a severe sense of oxygen deprivation and panic.
The symptoms indicated anaphylactic shock—an extremely dangerous, immediate-onset systemic allergic reaction that, without the urgent administration of epinephrine and hormonal medications, can lead to respiratory and cardiac arrest within minutes.
Rescue by the Emergency Medical Team
An emergency medical team led by paramedic O. P. Mykhailo arrived promptly at the scene.
The medical team reacted immediately:
- they performed a series of anti-shock resuscitation measures and administered the necessary medications to relieve the airway spasm;
- stabilized vital signs—blood pressure, pulse, and blood oxygen saturation;
- transported the patient to the Tyachiv District Hospital for further inpatient treatment and monitoring.
The woman’s life is no longer in danger, and her condition has been brought under control.
The Dangers of Uncontrolled Antibiotic Use: Expert Advice
Healthcare professionals emphasize that the thoughtless use of strong medications is one of the main causes of sudden critical conditions:
- Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Most seasonal respiratory infections and sore throats are viral in origin, against which antibacterial drugs are completely ineffective, yet at the same time they create a massive toxic and allergenic burden.
- An allergy can develop at any time. Even if a person has previously taken a specific medication without any complications, the body may have become sensitized later on. Taking that same pill again may unexpectedly trigger a generalized reaction.
- Signs of anaphylaxis: sudden swelling of the tongue, eyelids, or lips; a sensation of a “lump” or tightness in the throat; wheezing; dizziness; and a sharp drop in blood pressure.
- First steps: If at least one of these symptoms appears after taking medication, immediately call emergency services at 103 or 112 and under no circumstances leave the patient alone.
Source: Zakarpattia Regional Center for Emergency Medical Care and Disaster Medicine (103 Zakarpattia).
