Lääkesairaus

Lääkesairaus, also known as drug-induced illness or iatrogenic disease, refers to a health condition that arises as a direct consequence of taking medication. This can manifest in various ways, from mild side effects that are well-documented for a particular drug to severe, unexpected reactions that pose a significant risk to a patient's health. The spectrum of lääkesairaus is broad and encompasses both adverse drug reactions and drug toxicity.

Adverse drug reactions are generally defined as unintended, harmful, and noxious responses to a drug administered at doses normally used for prophylaxis, diagnosis, or therapy. These reactions can be predictable based on the drug's known pharmacology or unpredictable, occurring in a subset of individuals due to genetic predisposition or other factors. Drug toxicity, on the other hand, typically occurs when a drug is taken in excessive amounts, leading to harm due to an overdose or accumulation in the body.

Preventing and managing lääkesairaus involves careful prescribing practices, thorough patient history taking including allergies and existing conditions, and vigilant monitoring of patients during and after treatment. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in educating patients about potential side effects and encouraging them to report any unusual symptoms. Understanding drug interactions and contraindications is also vital in minimizing the risk of lääkesairaus. Early recognition and appropriate management are key to mitigating the negative impact of these drug-induced conditions.