Self medication refers to using medicines to treat symptoms or illnesses without first consulting a qualified healthcare professional. It often includes buying non prescription medicines, using leftover prescription drugs, taking herbal supplements based on online advice, or following recommendations from friends and family. While this approach may appear convenient, it is usually based on assumptions rather than an accurate medical diagnosis.
There are many reasons why people choose self medication. Busy work schedules, long waiting times at clinics, rising healthcare costs, and the widespread availability of medicines all contribute to this growing habit. The internet has also changed how people search for health information. A quick online search can produce thousands of articles, videos, and social media posts suggesting treatments for almost every symptom imaginable. Although some online information comes from reliable medical organizations, much of it is incomplete, misleading, or based on personal experiences rather than scientific evidence.
