Over the past 20 years, researchers have noticed a surge in the number of people that opt for self-medication. This has prompted many doctors to issue a warning about the dangers and complications that might arise from continuing this dangerous habit.
Self-medication eliminates the need for a doctor's consultation and prescription. It had become a common practice since the 20th century when antibiotics were first discovered. The allure of self-medication includes saving time, money, and the effort that would be spent on a doctor's appointment.
As a result, many doctors have been putting up warnings and doing what they can to educate the masses about the risks of taking medication without a prescription. Still, self-medication continues to be a widespread practice. Many Americans often misuse "under-the-counter" antibiotics.
Dr. Larissa Grigoryan, an assistant professor of family medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, is one of the doctors who are well aware of this dangerous habit of many Americans as they have ways to get antibiotics without seeing a doctor.
Grigoryan recently spearheaded a study that centered on the risks of self-medication among Americans. In her study, it was revealed that the main reason behind this dangerous habit is the drug cost.
Grigoryan, who worked with her colleagues, reviewed 31 prior studies conducted over the span of 19 years from 2000 to 2019. The noticeable common factor, drug cost, is a consistently occurring pattern.
Other reasons include the lack of insurance policies, the disinterest in making an appointment with a doctor because of the "hassle", and many also think that it is not a big deal, adding that self-medication is a quicker way to feel better.
However, Grigoryan wanted to point out that misuse of antibiotics can lead to drug resistance, which could potentially lead to self-harm. The doctor added that it is important for people to take antibiotics under a doctor's direction.
Previous studies have shown that 14% of Americans have made it a habit to store antibiotics for future use, while some studies have revealed that over half of the population are using leftover medication.
The most concerning part, according to Dr. Grigoryan, is the fact that most people use antibiotics to treat viral diseases. The doctor noted that antibiotics are useless on such viral diseases including a runny nose and a sore throat. Grigoryan added that unnecessary intake of antibiotics could disrupt the natural flow of the gut.
