Self-Medication: 5 Things You Need to Know Before Treating Yourself

Charged Guilty!!! We all have committed the sin of self-medicating. Popping the pills hoping for immediate relief. Be it gastric, headache, cold or flu, the medicine box always stands handy. But this self-medication does more harm than good. Ayurvedic doctor reveals 5 shocking dangers of self medication!

What is Self-medication?

Self-medication is the practice of taking medicines without consulting a doctor. It other words, Self-medication is the use of medicines to treat self-diagnosed conditions or symptoms.

Self-medication can stream in different ways. The most common form of self-medication is recommendation from friends or family. People often discuss their health issues with their close ones and they end up with a medicine that has perhaps worked for someone.

Another common form of self-medication is the use of an old prescription. Be it gastric or blood pressure, of a tablet has worked in the past, then they end up taking the same medicine. This often skips the important step of discussing with the doctor.

And the worst of all is Dr. Google. Type a symptom and in no time Dr. Google makes a diagnosis and even recommends a medicine. But this is the worst form of consultation!

Self-medication is a global health-care challenge.

Several surveys showed that the prevalence of self-medication in India is quite high. A study in Chennai showed that 70% of people prefer self-medication in the state. Another survey on a web-portal revealed 52% of Indians relies on self-medication. 

Why do patients prefer self-medication?

Many see this as a time and money-saving practice. And in some cases, it is. Catering to minor issues like a headache or bloated stomach does take off the burden. Even for minor accidents and cuts, a doctor’s visit is often avoided. This is cost saviour. 

People also opt for self-medication as a first defence, to avoid unnecessary tests. Many times, the results of these tests come back normal leaving the patient with unnecessary bills. Also, there are people who are sceptical about the functioning of modern medicines.

Also, people have this habit of looking for reviews or referrals before buying a product. We ask our friends or family for reviews. And nowadays we dig up the internet for user experience. This works for almost all things except medicines. In medicines, looking for reviews hardly helps. 

Also Read: Yoga and Meditation can result in fewer doctor visits

Is self-medication dangerous?

Self-medication can put your health at a big risk. And it is very important that people become aware of the dangers of self medication. There are many things that can go wrong with self-medication.

Self-Medication practices are associated with many unfavourable health conditions. Some major concerns are increased drug-resistance and drug-dependence, adverse effects and drug interactions. Self-medication in adverse cases can also result in death. 

Also Read: The healing power of Pranayama

5 Dangers of self-medication

Inaccurate Diagnosis

The very first risk of self-diagnosis is a false diagnosis. Different medical conditions need different types of interventions. And whatever be the symptoms, it is always important to understand the underlying condition. 

A headache can be caused by stress, indigestion or brain tumour. But when you pop the pill to suppress the headache, you ignore the underlying condition. Also, in many instances self-diagnosis on the internet has resulted in stress and paranoia in patients. 

Also, taking the wrong medicine has its baggage of side-effects.

Delayed diagnosis

Incorrect self-diagnosis also results in a delay in medical intervention. This brings devastating results when one is dealing with fatal ailments like cancer. In cancer, early diagnosis is life-saving. And delaying the detection with self-medication robs the chances of cure. 

Delayed diagnosis is one of the main reasons for poor prognosis.

Often times, the symptoms of fatal and aggressive diseases are very simple. A rash or mole on the skin can indicate skin cancer. Pain in the back can be a sign of colorectal cancer.

Thus, it is very important to seek medical advice. Especially in an age when we are dealing with all kinds of aggressive and fatal diseases.

Adverse Reactions and Dangerous drug interactions

Another huge risk of self-medication is of adverse reactions and dangerous drug interactions. People who are suffering from chronic diseases and are already taking medicines should be more cautious. Drug interaction and reactions can be fatal!

When a doctor prescribes a medicine, they check a lot of things. Allergic reactions, ongoing medications, alcohol consumption, other health issues, dosage etc. But when you go for self-medication, you skip all these safety precautions.

Medicine for the blood pressure may have an impact on the heart. Many medicines are not suitable for patients with other chronic conditions. These permutations and combinations are known only to a certified doctor.

Incorrect administration and overdose

Another danger of self-medication is the risk of incorrect administration and overdose. The doctor advises a particular regime for medicine. Whether to take it before a meal or after a meal. The right time gap between two dosages and the amount in each dosage. 

The dose for adults differs from the dose given to children or elders. The portion and frequency may also differ. An underdose is ineffective, while an overdose can cause side-effects.

In some cases, the side-effects can be very dangerous. 

Drug dependence and Abuse

Then there is the risk of drug dependence and abuse. Many people become dependent on drugs. Long-term use of any medicine can result in health hazards. Even for chronic ailments like blood pressure or diabetes the doctors recommend regular tests. He or she updates the medicines according to the patient’s progress.

If there is no progress then the doctor replaces the medicines. In cases, where the medicines showed progress, the doctor might lower the dose or recommend other pills. Often time, medicines have long-term side-effects and their long-term use is discouraged.

But many people stick to the pills as they find relief from their symptoms. Patients become dependent on drugs. This is a kind of substance addiction. If they try to give up the medicine the symptoms return. It takes an expert’s knowledge to moderate the use of medications. 

Drug dependence is also particularly high in patients suffering from depression, insomnia, anxiety or stress. They tend to get addicted to the momentary tranquillity brought by these drugs.

Ayurvedic view on self-medication

Ayurveda acknowledges the individuality of every person. Every individual carries their unique doshas viz. Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. Their interactions with food, environment, lifestyle or medicine depend on the doshas.

There is an old saying in Ayurveda – ‘What is a potion for one, can be a poison for another!’

That means the medicines that worked for your family or friends may not work for you, even if you are dealing with the same problems. There are a lot of things that an Ayurvedic doctor checks before prescribing any medicine. 

The doctor categorizes your dosha. He checks your past medical history and family history. Probes on your diet and lifestyle. Questions about other issues. And only after understanding the underlying causes, the Ayurvedic doctor prescribes medicines. 

Wrapping your head around the Dangers of Self Medication

Self-Medication is a global health-care challenge. 

More than reducing the cost and time, self-medication actually adds to the burden. Delayed diagnosis, Drug resistance, Drug dependence, drug abuse results in a devastating outcome. This is a big burden for the patients and the healthcare industry. 

That’s why Ayurvedic doctors often speak against this practice of self-medication. 

Timely intervention, correct diagnosis, right treatment and regular follow-ups are best practices. And that’s what I recommend to all my patients. Even if you are trying a home remedy for a disease, consulting a doctor is always a good idea!