Health experts are raising concerns over the growing habit of self-medication in India, especially the frequent use of over-the-counter painkillers and supplements without proper medical supervision.

From headaches and body pain to fatigue and immunity boosting, many people now rely on quick-fix medicines daily. However, doctors warn that excessive use of common painkillers and health supplements may silently damage vital organs like the kidneys and liver over time.

Why Self-Medication Is Increasing in India

According to doctors, several factors are driving this trend:

• Easy availability of medicines
• Social media health trends
• Online fitness advice
• Viral supplement culture after the pandemic
• Busy lifestyles leading to “quick relief” habits

Many people now consume:

• Painkillers
• Multivitamins
• Protein supplements
• Immunity boosters
  without understanding proper dosage or long-term risks.

Doctors Warn Against Unsupervised Supplement Use

According to Dr Simon Thomas, many people take supplements regularly without medical advice in hopes of improving:

• Fitness
• Energy levels
• Immunity
• Muscle recovery

However, excessive supplement intake may lead to serious side effects.

Health Risks Linked to Excessive Supplements

Doctors say overuse of supplements can cause:

• Nausea
• Gastritis
• Kidney stones
• Skin allergies and rashes
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Organ damage in severe cases

Experts also note that many young adults began depending heavily on:

• Gummies
• Protein powders
• Multivitamins
  after viral online health trends surged post-pandemic.

Common Painkillers Doctors Are Concerned About

Medical experts are especially warning against frequent use of common NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), including:

• Ibuprofen
• Paracetamol
• Diclofenac
• Aceclofenac

These are commonly used for:

• Headaches
• Fever
• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Body aches
• How Painkiller Overuse Can Harm the Body

Doctors warn that frequent or long-term use may increase the risk of: Kidney Damage

Painkillers can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and gradually weaken kidney function.

🫀 Liver Injury

Excessive use of certain medicines, especially paracetamol, may stress the liver and increase the risk of liver toxicity.

Stomach Bleeding

Some NSAIDs may damage the stomach lining and increase the risk of:

• Acidity
• Ulcers
• Internal bleeding

Heart & Blood Pressure Problems

Long-term misuse may also contribute to:

• High blood pressure
• Increased cardiovascular risks

Hidden Danger: Masking Serious Diseases

Doctors also caution that repeatedly taking painkillers can:

• Temporarily suppress symptoms
• Delay diagnosis of underlying illnesses

This means conditions like:

• Arthritis
• Infections
• Kidney disease
• Chronic inflammation

may remain undetected for longer periods.

People at Higher Risk

Medical professionals say the dangers of self-medication are even greater for:

• Elderly individuals
• Pregnant women
• Children
• People with existing kidney or liver conditions

These groups should avoid taking medicines without proper consultation.

Why Internet Advice Can Be Dangerous

Experts stress that:

• Online videos and social media trends cannot replace professional diagnosis.

A medicine or supplement that works for one person may not be safe for another due to:

• Existing health conditions
• Dosage differences
• Drug interactions

As doctors explain:

Safe Practices Doctors Recommend

To avoid long-term complications, experts advise:

• Do not take painkillers daily without medical advice
• Follow recommended dosage limits
• Avoid mixing multiple supplements unnecessarily
• Get regular kidney and liver function tests if using medicines frequently
• Consult a doctor if symptoms persist for more than a few days

Final Takeaway

While over-the-counter painkillers and supplements may offer quick relief, excessive and unsupervised use can quietly damage the body over time.

Doctors emphasize that prevention, moderation, and professional guidance are essential to protecting long-term kidney and liver health.

As temperatures continue to rise across several Indian cities, doctors are warning about a sharp increase in:

• asthma flare-ups,
• breathing difficulties,
• skin allergies,
• fungal infections,
• and heat-related irritation.

According to health experts, extreme heat combined with worsening air pollution is creating a dangerous environment for both respiratory and skin health — especially for children, senior citizens and people with pre-existing allergies.

Medical specialists say the combination of:

• hot air,
• humidity,
• sweat,
• and toxic airborne particles

can severely affect the lungs and skin during summer months.

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How Heat and Pollution Trigger Asthma

Doctors explain that polluted air contains harmful substances such as:

• PM2.5 particles,
• vehicle emissions,
• industrial smoke,
• dust,
• and toxic gases.

These pollutants can irritate the respiratory tract and trigger inflammation inside the airways.

According to Dr. Shareefa Chause, polluted environments during extreme summer conditions can worsen symptoms in people already suffering from:

• Asthma,
• allergies,
• or sensitive lungs.

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Why Asthma Symptoms Become Worse in Summer

During intense heat:

• air becomes heavier,
• humidity increases,
• and pollutants remain trapped closer to the ground.

This creates difficulty for people with respiratory disorders.

Common Asthma Symptoms Triggered by Heat and Pollution

• Chronic coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Breathing difficulty
• Shortness of breath
• Irritated throat

Experts say hot polluted air can inflame already-sensitive air passages, making breathing more difficult.

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How Heat and Pollution Damage the Skin

Health experts also warn that skin problems rise significantly during hot and polluted weather.

Sweat mixed with pollution particles can:

• clog pores,
• increase bacterial growth,
• and weaken the skin barrier.

Common Summer Skin Problems

• Acne breakouts
• Heat rashes
• Itching
• Allergic reactions
• Redness
• Fungal infections
• Skin irritation

Fine pollution particles settle on the skin surface and mix with sweat, dirt and oil, increasing the risk of infection.

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Why Fungal Infections Increase During Summer

Doctors say high humidity and sweat create ideal conditions for fungi and bacteria to grow rapidly.

This increases the chances of:

• ringworm,
• fungal rashes,
• body itching,
• and skin infections.

People who:

• sweat excessively,
• wear tight clothing,
• or remain outdoors for long hours

may face higher risk.

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Air Conditioning Can Also Affect the Skin

Interestingly, experts say sudden temperature changes can also trigger skin issues.

Moving repeatedly between:

• hot outdoor weather
  and
• cold air-conditioned environments

can:

• dry out the skin,
• disturb natural moisture,
• and increase sensitivity.

Some people may experience:

• dry patches,
• itching,
• or eczema flare-ups.

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Who Is Most at Risk?

Doctors say certain groups are more vulnerable to the combined effects of heat and pollution.

High-Risk Groups

• Children
• Elderly individuals
• Pregnant women
• Asthma patients
• People with allergies
• Individuals with sensitive skin

Urban residents living in heavily polluted cities may experience symptoms more frequently during summer.

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Simple Ways to Protect Yourself

Health experts recommend preventive care instead of waiting for symptoms to worsen.

Tips to Reduce Heat and Pollution Effects

1. Avoid Peak Heat Hours

Try not to step outside during:

• afternoon peak heat periods.

2. Wear Masks Outdoors

Masks can reduce inhalation of:

• dust,
• smoke,
• and harmful particles.

3. Wash Face and Hands Properly

Cleaning the skin after returning home helps remove:

• pollution particles,
• sweat,
• and bacteria.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water helps:

• regulate body temperature,
• improve skin health,
• and reduce dehydration risks.

5. Use Lightweight Moisturiser

Experts recommend:

• non-oily moisturisers
  to protect the skin barrier without clogging pores.

6. Wear Loose Cotton Clothes

Breathable clothing reduces:

• sweating,
• skin friction,
• and fungal growth.

7. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Keeping indoor plants may slightly improve air quality around homes.

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Why Awareness Matters During Heatwaves

Experts say climate change, rising temperatures and urban pollution are making summers increasingly harsh.

This means people may witness:

• more allergy cases,
• respiratory illnesses,
• and skin disorders

during future heatwaves.

Doctors advise people not to ignore:

• persistent coughing,
• breathing problems,
• or severe skin irritation,

especially if symptoms worsen during hot weather.

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When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• severe breathing difficulty,
• chest pain,
• persistent wheezing,
• spreading skin infections,
• or high fever with rashes.

Early treatment can prevent complications and reduce long-term health risks.

---

Final Takeaway

Medical experts stress that:

• heat,
• humidity,
• and pollution

are now affecting much more than comfort levels during summer.

The combination is increasingly becoming a serious public health concern impacting:

• lungs,
• skin,
• and overall immunity.

However, timely precautions, hydration, hygiene and medical care can significantly reduce the risks.

Recent reports surrounding a possible Hantavirus outbreak linked to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius have sparked concern worldwide, including in India. Social media discussions about deaths, emergency evacuations, and international health monitoring have led many people to question whether the virus poses a serious public health threat.

However, health experts say there is currently no reason for panic in India.

According to Dr. Sunil Rana, an Internal Medicine specialist at Asian Hospital, hantavirus infections remain rare and are generally associated with exposure to infected rodents rather than widespread human-to-human transmission.

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What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus refers to a family of viruses carried primarily by rodents such as:

• rats,
• mice,
• deer mice,
• and field rodents.

Humans may become infected through:

• contact with rodent urine,
• saliva,
• droppings,
• or contaminated surfaces.

In some cases, infection occurs after inhaling airborne particles from dried rodent waste.

Experts explain that most hantavirus strains do not spread easily between humans, which significantly reduces the risk of a large outbreak.

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Why the MV Hondius Incident Drew Attention

The concern increased after reports linked suspected hantavirus cases to passengers aboard the MV Hondius expedition vessel.

The situation triggered:

• medical evacuations,
• international health surveillance,
• and contact tracing efforts.

Although investigations are ongoing, experts emphasize that isolated cases do not necessarily indicate a global health emergency.

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Should People in India Be Concerned?

According to doctors, the overall risk to the Indian public remains extremely low.

Dr. Sunil Rana stated:

He explained that hantavirus outbreaks are typically localized and linked to environmental exposure rather than community transmission.

India has not reported any large-scale hantavirus outbreak connected to the current international incident.

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Symptoms People Should Watch For

One challenge with Hantavirus is that early symptoms can resemble common viral infections or flu.

Early Symptoms Include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Severe fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness

Symptoms may appear:

• between 1 and 8 weeks after exposure.

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Severe Symptoms Can Become Dangerous

In serious cases, patients may develop complications affecting the lungs and blood circulation.

Advanced Symptoms:

• Breathing difficulty
• Chest tightness
• Persistent coughing
• Low blood pressure
• Fluid buildup in lungs

Doctors warn that severe hantavirus infections can become life-threatening if medical care is delayed.

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Travellers Should Be Extra Careful

Health experts say international travellers returning from affected regions should remain alert to unusual symptoms.

Dr. Sunil Rana advised:

Doctors recommend informing healthcare providers about:

• recent travel history,
• outdoor exposure,
• or contact with rodent-infested areas.

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How Hantavirus Differs From COVID-19

Many people online have compared hantavirus fears with the early days of COVID-19, but experts say the situations are very different.

Key Differences:

Hantavirus	COVID-19
Mainly spreads through rodents	Mainly spreads person-to-person
Rare infections	Highly contagious
Limited human transmission	Rapid global spread
Localized outbreaks	Pandemic-scale transmission

This is one reason doctors say panic is unnecessary.

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Is India Prepared for Suspected Cases?

Experts believe India’s healthcare infrastructure is now far better prepared for infectious disease monitoring compared to previous years.

Hospitals with viral testing facilities can:

• screen suspected infections,
• isolate patients if needed,
• and conduct laboratory testing.

Doctors say disease surveillance systems developed after the COVID-19 pandemic have improved outbreak preparedness significantly.

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Precautions Experts Recommend

Health specialists advise focusing on prevention and hygiene rather than fear.

Simple Safety Measures:

• Keep homes clean
• Store food securely
• Dispose of garbage properly
• Avoid rodent-infested spaces
• Wear gloves and masks while cleaning contaminated areas

Experts specifically warn against:

• vacuuming rodent droppings directly,
  because it can release contaminated particles into the air.

Instead:

• disinfect surfaces carefully before cleaning.

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Why Awareness Matters More Than Panic

Medical professionals stress that awareness, hygiene, and timely medical consultation are the best tools against rare infections like hantavirus.

At present:

• there is no evidence of widespread danger in India,
• no large domestic outbreak,
• and no indication of uncontrolled human transmission.

Experts say informed caution is important, but unnecessary fear driven by misinformation should be avoided.

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What To Do If You Develop Symptoms

Seek medical attention immediately if you:

• recently travelled internationally,
• visited rodent-prone areas,
• or develop persistent fever with breathing difficulty.