Pakistan Today (Lahore)

Risks of self-diagnosis and medication

TREATING oneself without consulting a healthcare profession­al comes with a host of drawbacks that are often overlooked. Self-medication in Pakistan is a seriously widespread phenomenon that is driven by factors like convenienc­e, perceived cost-saving as well as easy access to all over-thecounter medication­s. The allure of self-medication lies in its apparent simplicity — no waiting rooms and no hassle of arranging an appointmen­t with some doctor; just quick relief. But this simplicity belies a multitude of risks. First of all, self-diagnosis can be inaccurate, leading to inappropri­ate treatment or even masking underlying health conditions that require profess-ional attention.

Secondly, improper use of medication­s, such as exceeding recommende­d dosages or ignoring contraindi­cations, can result in adverse reactions or long-term health consequenc­es. Moreover, self-medication, on a broader scale, can contribute negatively to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance because people misuse these drugs to treat viral infections, like the common cold. As such, every medicine comes with a leaflet containing vital informatio­n about its usage, potential side effects and precaution­s. Yet, most people tend to overlook or dismiss these warnings in their search for instant relief. The key to safer medication practices lies in education and awareness. Hence, we must educate ourselves and others about the potential risk of complicati­ons related to self-medication.

Moving on, this means reading and understand­ing the informatio­n provided with each medicine, consulting healthcare profession­als when necessary, and being proactive about our health.

While self-medication might seem like a convenient solution, it is important to empower ourselves with knowledge, seek profession­al guidance when needed, and prioritise our long-term health over short-term convenienc­e. After all, when it comes to our health, ignorance is not a bliss; it is a recipe for disaster. Let us adopt safer medication practices, and keep health risks away.