It’s no secret that technology has profoundly impacted virtually every aspect of our lives. We use it for communicating with friends and family to working on projects. And now, it is beginning to replace medication as the go-to treatment for many diseases.
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This article will explore some benefits of using modern technology to treat diseases. We will also look at some of the latest technologies that are being used to achieve replacing medication. So, if you’re interested in learning more about this topic, keep reading!
The influence of technology on medicine
The advancement of technology has greatly influenced the field of medicine. In the past, doctors relied on medication to treat diseases. With the development of new technology, more options are available to doctors. Here are some of the ways modern technology in medicine:
- Wearable devices: Several wearable devices on the market can help people manage their chronic conditions. For example, some devices can monitor blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and heart rate.
- Virtual reality: It helps treat different conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, and anxiety disorders.
- Robotic surgery is becoming increasingly common as it offers several advantages over traditional surgery. For example, robotic surgery is less invasive, has a shorter recovery time, and results in less scarring.
- Lasers: They can treat various conditions, including cancer. By using lasers, doctors can target specific areas of the body without harming healthy tissue. It allows for more precise and effective treatment.
- Taking care robots: These devices help nurses care for patients in hospitals. They are especially beneficial in geriatric clinics for children with cancer and older people.
Modern technology in replacing medication
Technological advancements have led to many different ways of treating diseases that were once only treatable with medication. Some of these methods are still in development and testing, while others have already been used by patients worldwide. Here are some benefits of using technology to replace medication.
Artificial intelligence in pharmacology
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in pharmacology is providing new opportunities for the development of safer and more effective medications.
- AI can screen large numbers of compounds for their potential to interact with specific proteins in the body. This information helps design new drugs that are less likely to cause side effects.
- In addition, AI can predict how a patient will respond to medication. It analyzes the patient’s medical history and genetic information. By doing this, doctors can choose the best remedy for each patient.
Gene therapy replaces medication
Scientists have been working on a new way to treat diseases that involves using technology to “segue” or insert healthy genes into sick cells. It is called gene therapy and is still in its early stages of development. However, there are already some promising results from clinical trials.
- One of the advantages of gene therapy is that it has the potential to be much more precise than traditional medication. For example, if a person has a mutation in their DNA that causes them to get sick, gene therapy can target that specific mutation and replace it with a healthy copy of it.
- There is less chance of side effects because the therapy only targets areas that need to be fixed.
- Another advantage of gene therapy is treating diseases caused by multiple genes. It means that if a person has a condition induced by numerous mutations, they wouldn’t likely need to take various medications to treat all the different mutations.
- The final advantage of gene therapy is that it is a one-time treatment. It means that once a person has undergone it, they will not need to take medication for the rest of their life.
- Gene therapy can save people a lot of money in the long run because they will only need to pay for the one-time treatment and not buy medications throughout their life.
Personalization and preventive medicine
The advancement of technology has allowed for more personalized medicine. In the past, treatments were often based on a single-fits-all approach. Modern technology can tailor treatments to individual needs. It is especially beneficial for those with chronic or difficult-to-treat conditions.
Additionally, technology has also allowed for better prevention of diseases. For example, there are now apps that can track your fitness and help you make healthier choices. Some apps can remind you to take your medication or get your vaccines. Using these types of technologies can help prevent the spread of disease and keep people healthy.
Nanotechnology and “smart” pills
One way that technology is beginning to replace medication is through nanotechnology. It is the science of designing and creating materials at the atomic or molecular level. Researchers are using nanotechnology to create:
- New drugs and delivery methods are more targeted and effective than traditional medications. For example, nanoparticles can carry cancer-fighting medicines directly to tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue.
- “Smart” pills can monitor a patient’s health and release medication only when needed. Also, they can dissolve slowly over time to provide a steady stream of medicine over an extended period. It would allow patients to take fewer pills and reduce the side effects of taking multiple medications.
3D-printed pills
Modern technology uses different techniques for creating medications. One of them is three-dimensional printing. This specific pill consists of several layers. Each of them is the drug you need to take. It means you have only one tablet containing all the medications you need to get. There are many advantages of this technology:
- It can customize pills that are specifically designed for each patient. It means that the patient will receive the exact dosage of medication they need, and there will be no risk of them accidentally taking too much or too little.
- It can help reduce the side effects often associated with traditional medication. It is because when pills are printed, they can be made to include ingredients that have been proven effective in reducing or eliminating side effects.
Telemonitoring and reminding systems for medication-related control
They are becoming more common as digital tools are developed to regularly support patients taking their medications. There are many benefits of using technology to remind and help them take their medicines on time.
- One benefit is that it can improve patient compliance with medication schedules.
- It can reduce the cost of medication.
- Digital reminders help to improve communication between patients and their caregivers. They receive notifications if a patient misses a dose of medication, and they can provide support to help the patient get back on track.
Telemonitoring systems allow doctors and nurses to remotely monitor a patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate. They can use this information to adjust a patient’s medication doses in real time. modern technology is replacing medication
Conclusion
The use of technology to treat diseases is on the rise, and there are many benefits to using this type of treatment. Technology helps treat various conditions and is often more effective than medication. Additionally, it is often less expensive than medication and has fewer side effects. By replacing drugs with more effective treatments, doctors can provide their patients better care. In addition, new medications can be developed that offer better outcomes for those who suffer from diseases. modern technology is replacing medication
Sources
- B. Granger, Bradi, and Hayden Bosworth. “Medication Adherence: Emerging Use of Technology.” HHS Author Manuscripts, 2011, DOI: 10.1097/HCO.0b013e328347c150.
- Deshmane, Subhash, et al. “Stereolithography 3D Printing Technology in Pharmaceuticals: A Review.” Drug Dev Ind Pharm ., 221AD, DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2021.1994990.
- Tang, Ran, and Zhigang Xu. “Gene Therapy: A Double-Edged Sword With Great Powers.” Mol Cell Biochem, 2021, DOI: 0.1007/s11010-020-03834-3.
- Cummins, G. “Smart Pills for Gastrointestinal Diagnostics and Therapy.” Adv Drug Deliv Rev, 2021, DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113931.
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