An increasing number of Canadian children suffering from chronic illnesses are now opting for alternative medicines and therapies without informing their doctors about the same. In most cases, it is considered normal for an individual to opt for homeopathic, herbal and supplements to treat chronic conditions. However, most of these remedies usually interfere with conventional medicines/therapies, with some of them actually creating adverse affects in the body upon interaction with the latter.The Universities of Alberta and Ottawa in Canada recently conducted a study pertaining to the alternative treatment methods adopted by nearly 926 families in the Ottawa and Edmonton regions. It was founds that alternative medicine was used by at least 71% of pediatric patients, with more than 20% of parents admitting that they chose not to inform about the same to their physician and pharmacist.Some of the more common alternative medicines and therapies supposedly used by those interviewed for the survey include minerals, multivitamins, herbs, aromatherapy, homeopathic medications, massage, relaxation therapies and chiropractic therapies.The results of the survey also showed that over half of the children interviewed had used some form of alternative medicine along with the conventional medicine they were prescribed by their doctors.
Over 5% of these children revealed that they had skipped conventional medicines altogether in favor of alternative medicines and therapies.The survey also revealed that parents who had previously used alternative medicines or therapies were more likely to make their kids opt for the same as well. In addition to this, parents whose children fall sick often also tend to opt for alternative medicines/therapies on a regular basis.Experts warn that simultaneous use of alternative medicine and conventional medicine can be potentially fatal. The survey revealed that over 80 cases that were reported had occurred due to the interactions and ensuing adverse effects of traditional and alternative medicines/therapies.
Of these cases, 19 were adverse while 6 were severe.Many individuals tend to believe that anything natural is safe. For instance, being a blood thinner, fish oil when combined with a prescribed blood thinner, would cause excessive bleeding.
The Echinacea herb usually taken to strengthen the immune system can work against chemotherapy in patients who have cancer.The survey ends with a note citing that in the last few years alone, Americans have spent more than $33.9 billion on complementary and alternative medicines and therapies. It is sad to note that in most cases, the individuals who opt for these medicines do not understand their advantages and disadvantages completely before buying them. As such, it is important for families to discuss with their doctors about the possible pros and cons of alternative medicines/therapies before opting for them.
