The Internet Derived Information Obstructing Treatment causes patients, especially the educated ones, to be often misled by information gathered online, especially about steroids which could hinder them from getting the right treatment A syndrome called Internet Derived Information Obstructing Treatment (IDIOT) is emerging as a major hindrance in the treatment of asthma. Experts at the respiratory critical care unit of King George's Medical University (KGMU), said that patients, especially the educated ones, were often misled by information gathered online, especially about steroids which could hinder them from getting the right treatment. Prof Rajendra Prasad, former head of respiratory medicine at KGMU, said that every week two to three patients, influenced by incomplete internet knowledge, resist steroid prescriptions for asthma.
He stressed that steroids, when prescribed and monitored by doctors, are the most effective asthma treatment. Head of the respiratory critical care department of KGMU Prof Ved Prakash highlighted that around 1.9 lakh people die due to asthma complications in India annually, a concerning statistic, given that asthma can be managed well with proper medical guidance.
He pointed out that poor air quality worsens asthma and emphasised the importance of awareness and accurate diagnosis. Prof Sumit Rungta of the medical gastroenterology and dermatology department added that asthma, being an allergy, cannot be cured but can be managed. Also Read: World As.
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