In our daily lives, we often hear a variety of theories about diseases and treatments, and many of them are such assertions that "it is not death from illness, but death". Such statements are often overly biased, or only visible, or can easily lead people to a deep misunderstanding. In fact, most diseases need to be effectively controlled or cured through scientific treatment, rather than simply "live longer without going to the hospital". It is true that there are specific conditions, some of which are at certain stages where excessive medical intervention may not be the best option.
The treatment of any disease should follow the scientific principles of developing a treatment plan based on the condition, individual differences, and medical evidence. Each disease is a labyrinth with a unique path and destiny that cannot be treated with a one-size-fits-all approach. In some cases, over-treatment or incorrect treatment may indeed cause unnecessary risks or even harm to the patient.
So, what are the diseases that don't require overtreatment in some cases, or even "live longer without going to the hospital"? Here are three common types of diseases to illustrate.
First, like a gentle breeze blowing on the face and naturally cured small viruses, it is like a flash in the pan, fleeting, and there is no need to worry too much.
Mild colds are one of the most common diseases in life, and many people rush to the hospital for injections and medicines as soon as they catch a cold, but in fact, most colds are caused by viruses, and viral colds are often self-healing diseases in medicine, that is, they can gradually recover through their own immunity. In the early stage of a cold, if the symptoms are mild, patients can completely self-regulate through non-pharmaceutical methods such as rest, drinking plenty of water, and supplementing nutrients appropriately, rather than rushing to seek medical attention. Misuse of drugs such as antibiotics may not only cause adverse reactions, but also disrupt the balance of the body's microbiome, thereby weakening immunity.
Case Description: Xiao Zhang, a young white-collar worker, is often swept up by the torrent of work, like a drifting ship struggling in the rough waves. One day, she suddenly felt a slight discomfort in her throat, followed by a slight fever and a runny nose. She immediately asked for leave to go to the hospital, where the doctor diagnosed the common cold and prescribed her some antibiotics and cold medicine. However, Xiao Zhang's condition did not improve quickly because of the medicine, but felt dizzy and nauseous because of the side effects of the medicine. Later, she followed her friend's advice, stopped the medication, and by drinking plenty of water, resting and adjusting her diet, the cold was cured naturally after a few days.
This case shows us that for a self-healing illness like a mild cold, over-reliance on medication is not a wise choice. Sometimes, giving the body enough time to rest and repair itself is more effective than blindly taking medication.
2. Stable period of chronic disease
Chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes often require long-term treatment and management. During the stable phase of the disease, patients can usually manage the disease with regular medication, a reasonable diet, and appropriate exercise. At this stage, excessive hospital visits or frequent changes to treatment regimens may not be a wise move. Patients in the stable phase should maintain good communication with their doctors, self-manage according to their doctor's recommendations, and avoid unnecessary medical interventions.
Case Study: Mr. Li has been a hypertension patient for many years, and he has been following his doctor's advice by taking his medication on time every day and monitoring his blood pressure regularly, while maintaining a low-salt and low-fat diet and proper exercise. Over the years, his blood pressure has been maintained at an ideal level and his physical condition has been in good shape. However, at one point, he heard that a certain hospital had a new treatment that could cure high blood pressure once and for all, so he was so excited that he decided to try it. As a result, after a series of examinations and treatments, his blood pressure did not improve significantly, but he felt unwell because of the side effects of the medication. Later, he realized that his approach was too impulsive and that he should continue to stick to his original treatment plan.
This case is a profound lesson in the importance of self-management during periods of stability for people with chronic medical conditions. Blind pursuit of new therapies or frequent changes in treatment regimens may be detrimental to disease control. Close communication with doctors and follow-up to a tailored treatment course is the key to chronic disease management.
3. Early stage of certain cancers
For the early stages of some cancers, overtreatment may not be the best option. Some cancers grow slowly in the early stages and may not even progress for a long time, and overtreatment can cause unnecessary pain and side effects to patients. In such cases, the doctor may advocate an observational waiting strategy, i.e., regular check-ups and monitoring, rather than resorting to radical treatment such as surgery or radiotherapy. Of course, this is not to abandon treatment, but to tailor a treatment to the patient's unique situation, as if adjusting the itinerary to different routes.
The phrase "don't go to the hospital and live longer" here does not mean that patients are encouraged to ignore the disease or refuse treatment. On the contrary, we should establish a correct concept of health and maintain vigilance and concern for diseases. If you are unwell, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible and receive treatment according to the doctor's instructions, just like sailing the wind and setting sail for health in time. At the same time, we need to be aware of the limitations and uncertainties of medicine, and avoid over-reliance on medical intervention or blind pursuit of so-called "cure".
In addition, in the classics of Western medicine, we can also find wisdom about the treatment and management of diseases. For example, Hippocrates emphasizes the importance of natural healing, arguing that physicians should help patients recover and maintain their health, while Principles and Practice of Internal Medicine emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment, i.e., individualized treatment based on the patient's specific situation. The ideas in these classic works coincide with our previous discussions, providing us with more in-depth theoretical support, like a trickle of clear spring to nourish the seedlings of thinking.
The statement that "he who died not of illness, but of death" is too one-sided and extreme. In the process of treating diseases, we should follow scientific principles, follow the guidance of doctors, and formulate personalized treatment plans according to the conditions and individual differences, like a carefully carved gem. At the same time, we should approach medicine with reverence and humility, knowing its limitations and uncertainties, and following the stars with reverence and humility. Only in this way can we better maintain our health and quality of life.
I'm Dr. Na, welcome everyone to like and follow, and say your views in the comment area, let's chat