Have you ever thought about someone conducting surgery on themselves without any medical education? That's unsettling, isn't it? We...
Have you ever thought about someone conducting surgery on themselves without any medical education? That's unsettling, isn't it? Well, this isn't too different from what occurs when individuals treat their own illnesses.
- 1. Improper Use of Medications and Overdose
- 2. Postponed Diagnosis and Incorrect Therapy
- 3. Dangerous Drug Interactions
- 4. Hazards for Sensitive Populations
- 5. Increase in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
- 6. Impacts on Public Health and the Economy
Self-medication refers to the act of using medications, herbal remedies, or other substances without seeking advice from a licensed medical professional, typically to address symptoms or conditions that one has diagnosed on their own. Although it may seem like a fast solution or a way to cut costs, it actually poses significant risks to your well-being.
Tribune Online, in a report, shared ways to avoid prescription mistakes, stating that "If you find it challenging to understand a prescription, get in touch with the healthcare provider who issued it. If they are unavailable, you may consult a pharmacist or check an online medical reference."
The article stated, "Medical professionals and other healthcare specialists are also urged to exercise extra care when treating a patient, dispensing medications, or recording a prescription."
Nevertheless, even with the increased awareness, individuals still engage in self-treatment.
Speaking with Tribune Online, Emmanuel Zakka, a pharmacist and public health expert, who is currently pursuing his PhD at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, stated that with the increasing use of "AI chatbots and simple internet access," more individuals are opting for online "doctors" rather than real healthcare professionals. "Although this might appear harmless, it is subtly contributing to one of the most significant health challenges globally: antimicrobial resistance (AMR)."
Emmanuel pointed out six significant dangers associated with self-treatment and explained how this habit might cause more damage than benefit.
1. Improper Use of Medications and Overdose Cases
He stated that when individuals treat themselves, they frequently mismanage the amount, timing, or length of treatment.
Consuming excessive amounts may lead to drug toxicity, whereas insufficient usage can render the medicine ineffective. For example, antibiotics are frequently misused; some individuals even use them as a form of birth control (a harmful misconception!). This improper use is contributing to antibiotic resistance, which results in more than 1 million deaths annually, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
2. Postponed Diagnosis and Incorrect Therapy
Self-treatment involves hiding symptoms rather than addressing the underlying issue. For instance, a headache could result from stress or might indicate high blood pressure, yet when individuals treat themselves, they postpone proper diagnosis and expert medical attention, frequently making their condition worse and raising healthcare expenses over time.
3. Dangerous Drug Interactions
Emmanuel stated that combining medications without expert advice can be extremely dangerous. Certain non-prescription (OTC) drugs may have harmful interactions with prescription medicines, herbal remedies, or alcohol. The liver and kidneys, responsible for processing and removing these substances from the body, can quickly become overwhelmed. This can lead to organ harm, serious adverse effects, or even fatalities.
4. Hazards for Sensitive Populations
In addition to drug abuse, delayed diagnosis, and medication interactions, Emmanuel highlighted that children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with long-term health issues are most vulnerable to the dangers of self-medication. For example, some over-the-counter medications are not recommended during pregnancy; they may lead to developmental abnormalities or even result in a miscarriage. What might appear as a safe solution for a mother could actually put her unborn child at risk.
Additionally, improper medication amounts can appear as missed doses, administering additional doses, excessive dosing, or insufficient dosing. This may result in life-threatening and health-related issues.
5. Increase in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Antibiotics once transformed the field of medicine, but their improper use is rapidly reversing these advancements. Using antibiotics for non-bacterial conditions, such as colds or the flu, as explained by the pharmacist, encourages the development of antimicrobial resistance, which makes everyday infections more difficult, or even impossible, to manage. This poses a serious global health threat that affects all of us.
6. Impact on Public Health and Economic Effects
In addition to individual harm, self-medication imposes societal and financial burdens. It places pressure on healthcare systems, increases treatment costs, and leads to avoidable fatalities. In low- and middle-income nations, inadequate regulations, limited healthcare access, and traditional beliefs exacerbate the issue.
Emmanuel, in the Tribune Onlinereport, called for rapid progress to enable unrestricted self-medication, as it might appear to be taking charge of one's health, but the risks greatly surpass the advantages. "From incorrect diagnoses to organ harm and drug resistance, the threats are genuine and extensive. Authorities should strengthen drug regulations, improve healthcare access, and encourage public awareness about medication safety."
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