According to a recent study, 70% of people in the state prefer Self-treatment. This is due to the widespread belief in the effects of Self-treatment. People believe it is a less costly and more effective method of treating common colds, fevers, and body pain. If you are one of the 70% of people who choose Self-treatment, you should be aware of potential side effects.
Some people prefer Self-treatment because they are unaware of how modern medicines function. They also don’t know the effects of Self-treatment. We must replace this stereotypical thinking with a more realistic belief that doctors are there to save your life.
Another important reason why people choose Self-treatment is that they are confident in the process. They believe that fever, colds, and body pain are simple diseases that they can treat simply by telling a pharmacist. However, you should keep in mind that the types of fever nowadays are not the same as previously.
Our air contains toxic chemicals. So we are literally breathing bad air, and there are terrible illnesses in the air we breathe. Before we get into the advantages, disadvantages and effects of Self-treatment, let us understand what Self-treatment is.
What is Self-treatment?
Self-treatment is the use of medications and non-medicinal approaches without consulting a general practitioner.
Patients self-treat themselves with therapies such as natural remedies, massage therapy, acupuncture, and also aromatherapy. Self-treatment may help reduce the burden on medical services. But it is a two-edged sword with many disadvantages.
According to one report, self-treatment is common in rural areas and low-income families.
What are the different types of self-treatment?
Self-treatment comes in many forms. These include caffeine self-treatment, alcohol self-treatment, and food self-treatment. Self-treatment does not always mean purchasing nonprescription medications. It can also refer to the self-treatment of food or any other substance.
People can go on diets in order to lose weight, which is one way for them to self-medicate. Similarly, a person suffering from depression may think that drinking alcohol will make him feel better. This is an act of self-treatment as well.
The benefits of self-treatment
As previously said, self-treatment is not a total waste of time. If done correctly, the effects of Self-treatment can reduce the pressure on the healthcare system while also saving money. It may end up controlling symptoms and offering relief for people living in rural areas.
Massage therapy improves mobility and quality of life in people with arthritis. Similarly, herbal teas and medication can be extremely beneficial in the treatment of many diseases. As a result, self-treatment has some advantages for the patient.
Self-treatment dangers
Self-treatment does help to reduce the burden on primary care providers. But it can be harmful to health in the hands of those who are less experienced. Self-treatment can lead to:
- A delay in diagnosis
- Serious drug reactions
- A high potential for abuse
- Incorrect method of intake
Many people are unaware of the serious adverse effects that may be associated with self-treatment with medication. For example, if someone has gastritis and is taking aspirin for a headache, it could exacerbate their gastric symptoms. But, because they are unaware, they may end up worsening their condition.
And self-treatment with herbal medications also comes with a risk. Certain potent ingredients in herbal medicine can be harmful to the patient. Many cases of adverse drug-herb reactions have been found in people who choose self-treatment.
When you purchase painkillers with a doctor’s consultation, it is possible that the prescription is old. And that the pills you took may have adapted to your body, causing future pain. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication.
Inadequate dosage calculation is another risk of self-treatment. You could end up seriously endangering the patient’s life if you accidentally over-medicate them. Self-treatment is riskier for kidney or liver patients because the drug’s clearance from the body is compromised. This means that the drug slowly accumulates in the body and can end up reaching a toxic dose.
A layperson would not be able to calculate all of these factors and thus would not be able to adjust dosage accordingly.
Dangers Associated With Self-treatment
Self-treatment can be risky because your confidence can lead to an overdose of medication, resulting in death.
Here is a list of potential risks associated with self-treatment.
- Resistance to microorganisms that cause sickness in your body
- Drug abuse and addiction
- Immediate relief with several long-term side effects
- If not recommended by a doctor, it can lead to death
- Using an unapproved drug can result in a relapse in your body’s condition
Prevention of Self-treatment
Since this is becoming a major problem in society, we can prevent it for now. There are several ways to prevent this. And it all starts with you refusing to buy any medication without a prescription. With medicine being a commercial part of daily life, most people are unaware of the effects they may experience. However, there are some simple tricks that can put an end to this practice.
Ways to Stop Self-treatment
We can stop self-treatment in a variety of ways, with the first step laying in your hand. You must stop purchasing medications without a prescription and inform the public about the problem. However, here are some easy ways to prevent self-treatment.
- Stop buying non-prescribed medicines.
- Use social media to spread the word about the cause.
- Drug authorities must make it a law that individuals can only buy medications with a prescription.
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of self-treatment and be careful of your surroundings.
- The topic of self-treatment should be added to the curriculum of students.
- Pharmacists must have training on the consequences of selling unprescribed medications, as well as consumer protection laws and human rights.
- Ask if there is anything you can do to reduce side effects, such as eating before taking a drug to reduce stomach upset.
- Pay attention to how you’re feeling and take note of any changes. Make a note of the changes, so you don’t forget to inform your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Understand what to do if you have side effects and when to contact the doctor.
- Know when you should notice an improvement and when you should mention it.
Weighing the Risks, Making the Choice
The benefit-risk decision can be difficult to make at some times. The right choice is decided by your particular situation.
You must decide what risks you can and will take in order to obtain the desired benefits. If you’re dealing with a life-threatening disease, for example, you may want to take on more risk in the hopes of receiving a cure or having a longer life.
On the other hand, if you are dealing with a minor illness, you might decide that you want to take as little risk as possible. In certain situations, the expert advice of your doctor can help you in making the right choice.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, we can see that self-treatment has both positive and negative consequences. The key is to understand when you need professional assistance and stop using home remedies that can worsen the symptoms.
If you need the help of a physician for any health problem, make an appointment with a doctor.
