Things to know
Dr Chatterjee, an internal medicine specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi (India), gives a medical analysis of painkillers in general and tips on how to use them safely.
Accordingly, painkillers help relieve pain from many types of ailments such as headaches, muscle aches and chronic pain conditions.
While they can be effective in relieving discomfort, overuse or improper use can lead to significant health problems, especially stomach and kidney problems.
Pain relievers are divided into different types. Among them, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are quite popular. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals in the body.
Impact on stomach health
Long-term use of NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal complications such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, or gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk of these conditions increases with higher doses, longer use, and use of multiple medications.
People with a history of gastrointestinal problems, older adults, and those who drink alcohol may be more susceptible to these side effects.
Harmful effects on kidney health
The kidneys play an important role in filtering waste from the blood and maintaining fluid balance. Chronic use of pain medications, especially NSAIDs and some prescription drugs, can put stress on the kidneys, leading to a variety of health complications such as: Acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, fluid retention, which leads to high blood pressure and puts additional pressure on the kidneys.
Signs to watch out for
Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, swelling in the legs or ankles, fatigue, and decreased urine output after taking pain medication.
How to use pain relievers safely
To minimize the risks associated with pain medication use, Dr. Chatterjee offers the following recommendations:
Follow dosage instructions: Always follow the prescribed or recommended dosage. Avoid self-medication and consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing persistent pain problems.
Limit use: Use painkillers for the shortest possible time. If pain persists, seek medical advice rather than relying on painkillers for long periods of time.
Explore alternatives: Depending on the type of pain, non-drug interventions such as physical therapy, acupuncture... can provide effective pain relief without the associated risks.
Get regular checkups: If you regularly use pain relievers, consider getting regular checkups to monitor your stomach and kidney health.
Avoid alcohol: Combining pain relievers with alcohol can increase the risk of stomach irritation and kidney damage.
