What is a key risk of self-diagnosing and using OTC medications?

• A. It always leads to correct treatment
• B. Misdiagnosis and delay in accurate diagnosis
• C. It eliminates the need for medical professionals
• D. It has no risks

Answer: (B)

Relying on self-diagnosis and using over-the-counter medicines can mask what's really going on and delay getting an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms can overlap across many conditions, from minor issues to serious illnesses, and OTC drugs often relieve discomfort without addressing the underlying cause. That means the real problem may go unnoticed, and valuable time could be lost before a clinician identifies the correct condition and begins appropriate treatment. Some OTC meds can also interact with other medicines or be unsafe for certain health conditions, increasing risk. If symptoms persist, worsen, or there are warning signs like severe pain, trouble breathing, or high fever, seek medical care promptly.