Pros and Cons of Modern Medicine

Just like any other types of medicines, modern medicines provide both pros and cons in the healthcare industry and to patients. Modern Medicine Modern medicine can be described as conventional health practices that are based on the western medical methods of evidence-based, diagnostics and treatment of diseases. Importantly, modern medicine works on the assumption that minds and the body are distinct and separate organs ("Modern/Conventional Medicine and Its Advantages – Information Parlor"). As such, contrary to the traditional medicine, the modern medicine treats specific body organs with a particular medication, instead of addressing the body as a whole. The methods of treatment stem from technology and science, meaning that the drugs and techniques used in health care are specific and target particular symptoms or a disease-causing organism for treatment.

Therefore, modern medicine, which comprises of highly skilled professions encourages better health outcome of patients, who also benefit from other aspects of professionalism such as positive attitudes and efficiency. Moreover, modern medicine involves strict regulations, drug use procedures, and quality control policies, which in return reduce medical errors that may be fatal. Notably, despite the numerous trial and tests, no medicines are entirely safe, and its use is potentially risky if not regulated (Rägo and Santoso 66). Accordingly, both the pharmaceutical industry and medical profession often work under strict guidelines of, for example, prescription, ingredients of medicines, surgery procedures, and the general healthcare. Any hospital, drug manufacturer, or physicians who violate these guidelines usually suffer the full wrath of the law.

Besides, such accuracy allows the doctors to deal with the disease early enough before the disease becomes uncontrollable. The Cons Most of these pharmaceutical drugs usually have severe side effects. Some of the side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, skin rashes, allergic reactions, and stomach upsets. While some of the side effects are minor, others are severe and strange, thus necessitating further therapeutic action to reduce the side effects ("Medication Side Effects: Types of Side Effects and FDA Regulations"). As a result, the patients may find themselves in a cycle that Debbie calls a “Shell game” of drug use over an extended period because of the side effects of the original prescription. For example, if the doctors find a patient with intermittent symptoms of asthma, they will most likely use SABA prn with low doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) (Fornadley 70).

Although the most patient may act positively to this treatment, the doctor does not consider that a particular patient may be out of the norm, thus fail to benefit from the medication. Therefore, the tendency of standardizing everything in modern medicine is a limitation which disadvantages patients outside the norm. Also, most of the modern medicines are expensive and out of reach for many patients. Although healthcare may be under insurance cover, or the government may subsidize some of the medicines. A closer analysis provides evidence that as modern medicines have the advantage to the patient. It still has many other disadvantages. Works Cited "Medication Side Effects: Types Of Side Effects And FDA Regulations. " WebMD. N. "Stepwise treatment of asthma. " Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America 47.