Case Study and Case Report 2022; 12(2): 19 - 21.

Xaiyaphoom S, Mungmunpuntipantip R. COVID-19 panic, use of traditional herb and hepatitis. Case Study and Case Report 202; 12(1): 19 - 21. ABSTRACT COVID-19 is an emerging disease that affects several countries around the world. This disease started in China then transmitted to Thailand and other countries. As a new disease, general people usually feel fear for the infection and panic might occur. This is similar to the observation in previous emerging diseases. In Southeast Asia, after COVID-19 existed, the panic also occurred. The mass panic results in many unexpected consequences such as insufficient mask distribution and panic disorder among local people. Here, the authors present a case (63 years old Thai female) with chief complaint of upper right quadrant abdominal pain. The liver function test showed extremely high SGOT (154 U/L) and SGPT (182 U/L). The patient did not drink alcoholic beverage and the hepatitis virus profile test (HBsAg and AntiHCV) result was negative. From history taking, the paint expressed a great fear for getting COVID-19 infection, therefore, she bought Thai traditional medicine drug namely “fahtalaijone” (made from Andrographis paniculata and manufactured and registered by Thai Governmental Pharmaceutic Organization) and took more than 10 capsules per day aiming at prevention of disease. The excessive use of Thai traditional medicine capsule was believed to be the cause of acute hepatitis in this case. The patient was suggested to stop using the traditional medicine capsule. The liver function test of the patient returned to normal within 2 weeks. This can show that panic is an important problem to be recognized. The COVID-19 panic can further result in organic disorder such as acute hepatitis in the present case. Keywords: COVID-19, panic, herb, hepatitis