Treatments are medications or procedures that health care providers use to treat, cure, or repair the effects of illness or injury. There are many types of treatments, and each has its own benefits and risks. A health care provider may recommend one treatment over another based on your specific diagnosis and overall health.
There are two main categories of treatment: medication and non-surgical therapeutic procedures. Medication is used to destroy cancer cells and keep them from spreading, while non-surgical therapeutic procedures help patients manage and control symptoms of an illness or injury without requiring surgery.
Medicine can be administered through a vein (IV) or by oral means (pill or capsule). Medical professionals often use both methods of medication delivery.
Medication is prescribed by a doctor as part of a medical treatment plan to treat, diagnose, or prevent a disease. It can be administered in the form of an injection, a pill or a liquid, as well as in other ways.
A doctor will determine the best type of medication to administer based on your diagnosis, age and other factors. A blood test can also be used to determine the best medications for you.
Other therapies include diet and lifestyle changes, including weight loss and increased physical activity. These can help patients with a wide variety of diseases, including heart disease and certain kinds of diabetes.
The goal of a medical treatment is to cure the disease, improve the patient’s quality of life and help them lead healthy, active lives. Some illnesses are chronic, meaning they will be with the person for the rest of their life and cannot be cured.
Some illnesses are not curable but can be managed with a combination of medication and therapy, such as those that control blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes or help treat the movement problems associated with Parkinson’s disease. Medications can be prescribed that increase or substitute for dopamine in the brain, which helps with movement and tremors.
Other medicines can be prescribed to reduce pain, prevent relapse or relieve the symptoms of certain conditions. These can be in the form of a drug, a natural substance such as an herb or a nutritional supplement.
Surgical options can also be used to treat certain illnesses, such as a tumor in the breast or uterus that needs to be removed. These are usually less invasive than non-surgical alternatives and can be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the procedure.
The cost of medication can add up quickly, especially for those with insurance coverage for pharmaceutical drugs. It’s important to understand how much your medication will cost before you choose a health care provider or treatment option. It’s often worth it to shop around for the lowest prices. And be sure to ask your doctor about any possible side effects. It’s also a good idea to find a doctor who is easy to talk with and listens carefully to your concerns.