The habit of taking medicines indiscriminately can increase with winter ailments. Know the risk of self-medication
Winter is a difficult season for health, as immunity is usually at its weakest at this time of year. Low temperatures and low air humidity are the ideal environment for the onset of flu, colds, allergies and inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Looking for quick relief from symptoms, many people resort to self-medication. A survey by the Institute of Science, Technology and Quality, in collaboration with Datafolha, showed that 89% of people took self-medication in 2022.
Risks of self-medication
Although it seems like a simple and effective solution, self-medication tends to be dangerous. This is because it can prolong recovery in easy-to-treat cases and mask more serious illnesses that require medical diagnosis.
The use of inappropriate or incorrectly dosed medications can not only fail to relieve symptoms, but also delay proper diagnosis and treatment. In this way, it allows the disease to progress and cause complications.
Furthermore, there is also the risk of drug interactions, which can enhance or inhibit the effects of drugs. “Usually, the indication for the treatment of colds and respiratory diseases is simple analgesics and nasal saline. These are drugs that are unlikely to cause any short-term harm,” says the medical clinic of São Marcelino Champagnat Hospital, Maria Fernanda Uady Carvalho.
“However, when using combinations with antihistamines, antiallergics and vasoconstrictors, there are risks of side effects, intoxication due to inadequate dosage and the appearance of allergies,” adds the professional.
Attention should be redoubled with the elderly
Consuming over-the-counter medicines can be especially harmful for the elderly. This is because they are more likely to experience adverse drug reactions due to age-related physiological changes. This is the case, for example, with impaired kidney and liver function and changes in drug absorption.
“Self-medication is also dangerous because it increases the risk of unwanted side effects in the treatment of these common chronic conditions and diseases in the elderly, leading to serious complications or worsening of symptoms,” adds the doctor.
Career guidance is essential
In addition to the importance of medical diagnosis, pharmacists play an important role in providing guidance on the correct use of medicines. They can provide information on proper dosage, side effects, contraindications, and also clarify doubts about over-the-counter medications, to optimize medication consumption.
“We pharmacists exercise the function of guidance to counteract self-medication, we use pharmaceutical assistance as a strategy to reduce the unnecessary use of drugs. We must always be ready to make patients aware of the importance of drugs, ensuring their safety and efficacy of the same”, explains the pharmacist Prati-Donaduzzi, Alyne Blasio de Carvalho.
The pharmacist also comments that guidance is the strategy that professionals should adopt to make patients aware of the dangers of self-medication and promote the safe use of medicines.
“Humanized and mindful guidance of the patient and companions to avoid abuse is the best route. In addition to not promoting any type of drug advertising among them, vitamins and drugs sold without a prescription, too,” concludes Alyne.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
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