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Self-diagnosis and self-treatment might seem like a shortcut but the long-term cost to your health isn’t worth it
For the sake of your well-being, consult a qualified doctor before reaching into your medicine cabinet. Your body deserves expert care, not guesswork.
In the age of instant answers, everyone seems to have become a self-proclaimed doctor — thanks to “Dr. Google.”
Two major problems persist in our country: first, the widespread habit of self-medication, and second, the easy availability of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs without a doctor’s prescription. While it may seem convenient, this trend poses serious risks to your health.
Dr. Shilpi Behl, BDS BSOM (UK), HNODS (UK), Director, Senior Dentist & Facial Aesthetics Specialist, Avana Healthcare, says, “Take painkillers, for example. Many people pop them like candy for every minor discomfort. Not only does this mask underlying issues, but chronic painkiller abuse can also lead to long-term complications like cardiovascular strain and liver damage.”
Common ailments like cold, cough, sore throat, or fever are often brushed off as minor and treated at home using whatever’s lying around in the first-aid box. But what many don’t realize is that even routine-looking symptoms can be signs of something more serious — and incorrect medications or dosages can trigger allergic reactions, gut issues, or worse, contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Dr Behl recalls a recent case where a patient visited herclinic with severe facial swelling due to a tooth infection. Instead of seeking treatment early, he self-medicated with a prolonged course of antibiotics and steroids — hoping to avoid a root canal. While he felt temporary relief, the steroids led to elevated blood sugar levels, and by the time he came in, the infection had worsened and the tooth could no longer be saved. What could have been resolved with a simple procedure ended in extraction due to delayed professional care.”
Self-diagnosis and self-treatment might seem like a shortcut but the long-term cost to your health isn’t worth it. For the sake of your well-being, consult a qualified doctor before reaching into your medicine cabinet. Your body deserves expert care, not guesswork.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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