What are medications primarily used for?

Medications play a fundamental role in healthcare, primarily utilized to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease or illness. This encompasses a wide range of functions, such as alleviating symptoms, curing diseases, or preventing the development of health conditions. For example, antibiotics are employed to treat bacterial infections, while vaccines are aimed at preventing viral diseases.

The other options touch on important aspects of health and wellness but do not accurately reflect the main role of medications. Preventing allergic reactions can be a secondary function of certain medications, and while improving lifestyle choices is vital for health, it typically involves behavioral changes rather than direct medical intervention. Enhancing physical fitness can also be a benefit of some medications, but it is not their primary purpose; instead, medications focus on addressing specific medical conditions and health maintenance. This clarity on the main function of medications reinforces their critical role in effective healthcare management.