Consumer health refers to the information, products, and services aimed at helping individuals actively participate in managing their own health and wellbeing. It involves educating potential or current users of medical services to make informed decisions about health behaviors, treatments, and self-care practices. Unlike clinical information intended for healthcare professionals, consumer health information is designed to be accessible and understandable for the general public, often focusing on prevention, wellness, diseases, treatment options, and healthcare choices

. The consumer health industry includes a broad spectrum of non-prescription products such as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, nutritional supplements, personal care, and patient care products. It empowers individuals to take conscious and informed actions to maintain or improve their health, often collaborating with healthcare professionals as needed. This sector is rapidly growing, driven by factors like increasing consumer empowerment, health literacy, access to personal health data, and a shift towards self-care. The global consumer health market is valued at approximately $500 billion and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years

. Consumer health also encompasses consumer health informatics, a subfield focused on using technology and information systems to support consumers in obtaining health information, analyzing their healthcare needs, and making decisions about their health. This includes tools like internet resources, remote monitoring, telemedicine, and communication technologies designed for patient use

. In summary, consumer health is about enabling and supporting individuals to manage their own health through accessible information, products, and services, fostering self-care, prevention, and informed decision-making.