Why It’s Important To Consult a Doctor Before Buying Medicine
Dalawang linggo ng inuubo si Danny at naubos na ang dalawang bote ng cough syrup na binili niya sa pharmacy pero hindi pa din siya gumagaling. Imbes na magpatingin sa doktor, mas pinili ni Danny mag self-diagnose at self-medicate at gumawa ng sarili niyang research. Bronchitis ang self-diagnosis ni Danny at nagtanong siya ng gamot sa pinsan niya na nagka-bronchitis kamakailan lang.
According to a study, many Filipinos like to self-medicate and self-diagnose. Self-medication is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the use of drugs “to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continued use of a prescribed drug for chronic or recurrent diseases or symptoms.”
While self-medication may seem convenient, less costly, and a quick fix, especially for minor ailments, health professionals do not approve of this practice as it poses greater health risks. Here are the top reasons why you should consult a doctor before buying medicines:
A doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis
Your body is a complex system, and symptoms can be interpreted a number of ways. For example, a headache may be caused by dehydration, sinusitis, ear infection, stress, or even a more serious underlying condition. A doctor can diagnose the root cause of your headaches and recommend the most appropriate medication.
Whereas, a self-diagnosis can miss crucial clues since there are many diseases that are not easy to spot. Some illnesses may lead to serious complications, even death, when not diagnosed early, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. In addition, self-medicating with the wrong medicine could mask the real issue, delaying proper treatment, and even worsening your condition. Your doctor can give you a physical examination and request lab tests to help determine your condition and prescribe the proper medicine and procedures.
Medicine that works for others may not work for you
In our earlier example, Danny diagnosed himself with bronchitis and turned to his cousin for medication advice. Even if Danny is right about his condition, his cousin’s medicine might not be effective for him. Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different, so the type of medicine, not to mention, the proper dosage needed to treat a condition can vary from person to person. Health issues may also differ in severity, requiring varying dosages.
If you’re taking other drugs, it’s crucial to consider the medicine you’ve been previously taking. These interactions can render the medication ineffective or even cause side effects. You might also have underlying health conditions, which could make the recommended medication unsafe for you. In addition, taking drugs not prescribed for you, especially antibiotics, can result in antibiotic resistance, making it harder to treat infections in the future.
Building a medical record with your doctor
Your physician is your partner in health. Seeing the same doctor enables him to build your medical record to develop a comprehensive understanding of your health history. This may include past illnesses, medications, allergies, and family medical history. A medical record provides a clearer picture for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. On top of that, a detailed medical record helps your doctor track the effectiveness of past treatments and adjust medications as needed, promoting better treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
A doctor can properly diagnose your condition, prescribe the right medication at the appropriate dosage, and monitor your progress.
Huwag mong isugal ang iyong kalusugan. Tandaan na ang self-diagnosis at self-medication ay maaring humantong sa maling konklusyon at maling pagbili ng gamot na pwedeng magpalala sa iyong sakit.
Para sa Tamang Gamot sa Gabay ni Dok, sa VidaCure ka na! Maaari kang kumonsulta sa in-house doctor bago ka bumili ng gamot.