Don't don doctor's role

Don't don doctor's role

Olympia Shilpa Gerald

— Photo:M.Moorthy.

Over the counter:Self-medication can be harmful.
TIRUCHI: Do you involuntarily reach out for a painkiller every time you wake up with a splitting headache? Blame it on our frantic schedules, long waits at clinics or the inclination to save time and money, prescriptions have been thrown out of the window and popping a pill at the first indication of fever, cold, indigestion has become the order of the day.

While acknowledging that most people darken the doctor's door only when their symptoms worsen or show no signs of abating, Zameer Pasha, National Chairman of Academy of Medical Specialties, cautions against self medication for those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, as drug interaction is possible. “Patients already on drugs should always consult the physician before taking medicines even for minor ailments. A heart patient for instance should not take paracetamol or aspirin without the doctor's consultation.”

Dr.Zameer Pasha says that self diagnosis is more harmful as patients often diagnose abdomen pain as ulcer and associate chest pain with heart disease and take the appropriate medication for years, until they develop serious complications. He adds that discontinuing the course of prescription should be avoided, even if the symptoms fade away.

T.Mohanasundaram, Joint Director of Health, cautions that self medication is like committing a mistake with self- knowledge. “Doctors always prescribe a combination of drugs that combat or minimise side effects. They take contents and compositions of drugs into consideration. Whereas, in self medication there is always a possibility of under or over dosage.”

Symptoms cannot be dismissed as minor ailments, as a slight fever may be symptomatic of serious illnesses like tuberculosis or recurring cough might be the first signs of pulmonary disease. Analgesics or painkillers are always prescribed after food as they may cause ulcer if taken on an empty stomach.

Self medication is widespread for headaches but it brings many complications in its wake. M.A. Aleem, Professor of Neurology, K.A.P.Viswanatham College says, “Most headaches are stress related or induced by tension. But repeatedly taking painkillers every time you have a headache may lead to kidney problems. Besides, people get addicted to painkillers as they cause sedation. Frequent headaches should not be ignored. Early consultation can prevent life-threatening complications.” Sleeping pills, memory-inducing drugs, neurological and psychiatric medicines should not be procured over the counter. He warns that people who resort to self- medication are susceptible to being sold substandard drugs.