The risks of self-medication include:
- Incorrect self-diagnosis
- Delays in seeking appropriate medical advice and proper treatment
- Potential adverse reactions
- Worsening of the condition the individual is trying to self-treat
- Dangerous drug interaction
- Masking of severe diseases
- Risk of dependence and abuse
Full Answer
Are ‘home remedies’ safe?
The Dangers of ‘Home Remedies’ for Serious Illnesses 1 Natural isn’t always healthy. It’s common for people to think that "natural" means healthy. 2 Home remedies for cancer. Cancer has long been targeted by people promoting natural therapies. 3 Why people turn to home remedies. One found that people are more likely to use herbal supplements...
Do minor ailments improve with treatment at home?
In many cases, minor ailments improve with treatment at home. Here are some tips to feel better, and advice on when you should see a doctor.
Why do people use home remedies?
People use home remedies for a variety of reasons — fighting cancer, losing weight, increasing sex drive, or reducing symptoms of illnesses that have few medical treatments available. Most home remedies or natural therapies, though, haven’t been put through the same rigorous clinical testing you expect from pharmaceutical medications.
Do home remedies for illness work?
Many people turn to home remedies to treat their cancer, colds, and autoimmune disorders, but some of these can cause more harm than good. In a world where you can fix almost anything with a do-it-yourself video on YouTube, you might think curing your own illness would be a piece of cake.
Does pennyroyal oil cause tremors?
According to Stoneham, dogs treated with pennyroyal oil have ended up in liver failure, and animals treated with tea tree oil and citrus oil can develop neurologic problems that can manifest as depression, unsteadiness, tremors, and coma. 8. Waiting Too Long to See a Vet.
Is it bad to wait to see a vet?
If your cat or dog is sick, waiting to see a vet is a bad idea . “If, for example, a pet has an intestinal foreign body and it is stuck, it could result in perforation of the intestine,” Jeffrey says. “This requires emergency surgery and can even kill a pet.” If you think your pet has swallowed something other than food, it is very important to call the veterinarian, she says.
Sore throat
A sore throat is the feeling of pain and dryness in the throat. Most sore throats are caused by infections or by environmental factors like dry air.
Causes of a sore throat
Sore throat causes can be attributed to a variety of factors. Common causes include:
How to treat a sore throat or cough
A scratchy throat or persistent cough can cause a fair amount of discomfort. Both also happen to be symptoms of the common cold.
Stomach ache
A stomach ache refers to cramps or a dull pain in the tummy (abdomen) that is usually temporary and is often not serious.
Symptoms of a stomach ache
Symptoms of a stomach ache vary according to the cause of the pain. They may include:
How to cure a stomach ache
Stomach aches are extremely common and usually not a cause for concern. Possible triggers include indigestion, acid reflux and stomach infections.
Headache
Headache can refer to pain in the head that feels like throbbing or squeezing sensations and may be constant or intermittent. The pain may be felt in one part of the face or skull or may be generalised involving the whole head.
Is dandruff contagious?
Dandruff is a common scalp condition where small bits of skin flake off on your scalp. While it's not contagious or serious, it is obnoxious. Unfortunately, it's also difficult to treat and while a ton of remedies exist, none of them definitively get rid of dandruff.
Can stomach issues be treated?
Like headaches, stomach issues have all kinds of solutions without a lot of research. Nobody likes a stomach ache, but you can treat them with a few ingredients you have on hand all the time.
Home Remedies for Dog Ailments
Several pet owners have tried certain kitchen ingredients along with specific medications that work well to reduce symptoms in their pets. Although these remedies may not work on all pets, they offer simple curative suggestions to deal with common dog ailments.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used to cure skin and coat problems in pets. The vinegar should be sprayed or dabbed on affected areas. Its best applied twice daily until the skin condition gets better. Apple Cider Vinegar can be used on red itchy skin or on pets experiencing hair loss.
Benadryl
It's important to consult the vet before giving your pet human medication such as baby aspirin or bendryl. If the medication is given in the wrong amount or in combination with other drugs, it causes adverse side effects and may even be toxic. Liquid Benadryl is too concentrated for use in animals.
Baby Aspirin
Baby aspirin shouldn't be used on puppies as it can be toxic to dogs weighing 2 lbs or less. In most cases aspirin is used to relieve symptoms of joint pain, arthritis and fever. The type or brand of aspirin used should be carefully examined as certain medicines contain coatings that are only appropriate for humans.
Pepto Bismol
Several pet owners consider giving their pets Pepto Bismol to treat diarrhea, vomiting and indigestion. Although the treatment brings relief in some pets, it cannot be used in all dogs. Vet prescribed medication is ideal for dogs suffering from diarrhea due to underlying diseases.
Is smoking a cigarette dangerous?
For depression, help from a mental health professional and support professionals may be required. Smoking can be dangerous and hence, is avoidable. A follow-up with medical professionals for proper functioning of lung tests may be required for long term.
Is a punctured lung a life threatening condition?
While there are many serious causes of a punctured lung, it is also necessary to understand the dangers of a punctured lung. A lung injury can develop into two life threatening conditions viz., collapsed or punctured lung or can develop into acute respiratory distress syndrome ( ARDS), both of which are dangerous.
