I have encountered a diabetic patient in clinical practice who suffered from lactic acidosis due to self-purchasing and excessive use of glucose-lowering drugs. Fortunately, timely rescue saved him from death. Currently, the mortality rate of lactic acidosis in this disease is as high as 50-80%. If it were not for effective rescue, the consequences would be unimaginable.
In daily life, it is common to see patients buying and self-administering medication, especially some commonly used drugs at home. For example, some people are accustomed to taking painkillers. Initially, it was prescribed by a doctor for conditions such as headaches or toothaches. After experiencing the effectiveness, they started to purchase and take them on their own. Little did they know that any painkiller contains certain anaesthetic components, and long-term use can lead to tolerance and a decrease in the analgesic effect. To maintain the efficacy, the dosage needs to be increased. Over time, dependency and addiction can develop, requiring daily medication.
Some parents, out of concern for their children's health, administer medication for any minor illness, hoping for a quick recovery. Such parental love is understandable, but the results often backfire. Instead of growing up healthy, the child becomes a "healthy person" who relies on medication. In fact, infants and young children have strong vitality and adaptability, and medication should be used in moderation.
As the saying goes, "Long-term illness makes a good doctor," but one should not rely too much on their own medication experience and purchase drugs indiscriminately. Due to their limited knowledge of medication, most patients may not fully understand the potential risks. Improper use of medication can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, taking medication when ill should be done under the guidance of a doctor.
