Modern discourse about the medical industry rarely takes place without at least one or two references to 'big pharma'. Thinly veiled hints and outright accusations about the underhanded methods employed by these companies abound. Suppression. Collusion. Diversion. The issue of the ethics with which they research, market, and maintain the market for some of their drugs is a hot button topic in many circles.
Of key interest to me are the many discussions I've seen which accuse 'big pharma' (never anyone in particular, just 'them') of suppressing natural remedies and alternative, holistic style medicine. While my online research has shown that many of these campaigns against pharmaceuticals are spearheaded by questionable supplement companies who have been sued numerous times for selling a false product, not all are traceable, and perhaps some have some ring of truth to them.
Regardless of the fear mongering and the possible cabals which exist, today I sat down to catalogue in my mind some of the most scary moments in my family's life, and what my alternatives for treatment were. And I have to say, big pharma came out on top with my full and ringing endorsement.
When my son starts to struggle with his breathing, a rare and scary event, we try assorted things to nip it in the bud. We use cedar oil on a cloth (it's a natural bronchio dilator). We give him strong coffee which is again meant to open his airways. We do chest physio to attempt to get some of the mucus out so he can breathe more freely. We fight and struggle, and still always end up in the same place... ventolin and inhaled steroids. And when that doesn't cut it, oral steroids and mucus inhibitor need to be added, usually by the ER. When you're jumping in your vehicle and driving to the nearest ER with a child whose lips are starting to turn blue, you really, really, really, LOVE big pharma. Yesterday we were able to avoid such a trip, but not avoid the meds, and today, listening to my son breathe and cough freely, I am more than a bit grateful for that beautiful inhaler.
Of key interest to me are the many discussions I've seen which accuse 'big pharma' (never anyone in particular, just 'them') of suppressing natural remedies and alternative, holistic style medicine. While my online research has shown that many of these campaigns against pharmaceuticals are spearheaded by questionable supplement companies who have been sued numerous times for selling a false product, not all are traceable, and perhaps some have some ring of truth to them.
Regardless of the fear mongering and the possible cabals which exist, today I sat down to catalogue in my mind some of the most scary moments in my family's life, and what my alternatives for treatment were. And I have to say, big pharma came out on top with my full and ringing endorsement.
When my son starts to struggle with his breathing, a rare and scary event, we try assorted things to nip it in the bud. We use cedar oil on a cloth (it's a natural bronchio dilator). We give him strong coffee which is again meant to open his airways. We do chest physio to attempt to get some of the mucus out so he can breathe more freely. We fight and struggle, and still always end up in the same place... ventolin and inhaled steroids. And when that doesn't cut it, oral steroids and mucus inhibitor need to be added, usually by the ER. When you're jumping in your vehicle and driving to the nearest ER with a child whose lips are starting to turn blue, you really, really, really, LOVE big pharma. Yesterday we were able to avoid such a trip, but not avoid the meds, and today, listening to my son breathe and cough freely, I am more than a bit grateful for that beautiful inhaler.
