Abstract
Upper respiratory
tract infections are usually self-treated with synthetic and herbal
over-the-counter products. The aim of the study was to assess the
reasons for the purchase of those medications in Poland. We examined 413
adults, aged 18 and over (70.5 % of them were women) using a
questionnaire. The findings demonstrate that oral synthetic products
were used by 76 % of respondents, while herbal products by 30 %.
Synthetic products were used mainly by educated people under 65 years of
age, students, and the employed. Herbal products were used mainly by
older people. In conclusion, synthetic products against common cold are
perceived as more effective. Such medications are used by people who
probably would like to recover and return to professional activity as
quickly as possible. As they generally use more medications, they are at
increased risk of adverse effects resulting from drug interactions, and
they should be a target group for health education programs.
