Posted: September 3rd, 2022

Self-Treatment: an Opportunity to Heal Oneself or a Way of Damaging

Self-Treatment: an Opportunity to Heal Oneself or a Way of Damaging One’s Health
Self-treatment is the use of medication, to cure ailments, without the doctor’s supervision. People purchase most of these drugs over the counter. Apart from medicine, patients also use natural herbs to self-medicate. The concept of self-treatment has gained an interest in health care. Although it has various advantages, it is also detrimental to one’s health. The causes of self-treatment include; low socioeconomic status, easy access to drugs, lack of strict regulations, and low education level.
Self-medication is efficient in the treatment of some acute ailments such as headaches, indigestion, mouth ulcers, nausea, and hay fever. It also allows patients to control chronic conditions, such as chronic pain. In places where there are a few medical practitioners, self-treatment makes it possible to manage some symptoms before getting to the doctor. It is helpful in rural areas where there are a handful of health providers.
Although most people prefer self-treatment because it saves time and money, it is disastrous for people’s health, and it can lead to misdiagnosis. Incorrect diagnosis leads to the consumption of the wrong drugs that can lead to toxicity and even death. It can also delay healing leading to financial burdens. People who self-medicate are at risk of developing drug resistance; antibiotic resistance is harmful to one’s health. Apart from that, it can also delay seeking advice from a doctor when one has a severe disease. Self-medication can lead to adverse reactions and harmful drug interactions.
Besides misdiagnosis and the consumption of improper drugs, it can also lead to incorrect dosages and inappropriate ways of administration, which can cause complications. Self-treatment leads to wastage of health resources in cases where individuals purchase and use the wrong drugs. It can also lead to the wrong therapy.
Drugs such as valsartan are effective when consumed in the required dosages. However, overdosing can lead to hypotension, heart failure, or renal and hepatic failure. Overconsumption of antipyretic and analgesic paracetamol can lead to liver failure. Paracetamol toxicity is among the leading causes of liver failure.
Self-treatment can lead to the consumption of medication for a long duration and polypharmacy. Polypharmacy is harmful to the elderly. The drugs may also have side effects which the individual may not understand. Health providers have proposed various strategies to minimize risks in self-treatment. They include the provision of information about it, and the encouragement of partnerships between patients, pharmacists, and physicians to enhance monitoring systems.
References
Abay, S. M., and W. Amelo. “Assessment of Self-medication practices among medical, pharmacy, health science students in Gondar University, Ethiopia.” Journal of Young Pharmacists 2.3 (2010): 306-310.
Hughes, Carmel M., James C. McElnay, and Glenda F. Fleming. “Benefits and risks of self-medication.” Drug safety 24.14 (2001): 1027-1037.

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