If you have ever suffered from a headache, or any other kind of pain, you will likely have sought out a solution.
Paracetamol and common painkillers can help with a variety of ailments.
1
Most people take a couple of pills occasionally to treat inflammatory pain.
However, those who use them more often than intended could put themselves at risk.
Numerous studies have shown that these pills can cause serious health problems.
Dr Sarah Jarvis is a GP and Clinical Director.Patient.infoThe risks associated to ibuprofen were previously mentioned. “very well documented”.
“For most people, taking the standard dose in the short term is associated with a low risk of side effects,”She told Central Recorder.
“Where we get into problems is when someone is taking a high dose, or over the long term [weeks or months], but especially both together.”
1. Tinnitus
There has been a link between tinnitus and over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
Tinnitus refers to the perception of noise in one or both ears, even though there is no external sound.
It is sometimes called a “simple” thing. “ringing in the ears”However, the sound you hear can differ from one person to another.
A study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, US, found that frequent use could raise your risk of the condition.
Dr Sharon Curhan said: “Even though these painkillers are widely available without a prescription, these are still medications and there are potential side effects.
“They clearly have benefits with short-term use.
“However, frequent use over long periods of time may increase the risk of tinnitus and may cause other adverse health effects.
“It is important to take these medications mindfully and to limit their use as much as possible.”
2. Behaviour
Ohio State University’s gurus found that people who take acetaminophen may be more likely to experience serious side effects than they are used to.
The recommended dose for headache was given to over 100 people, with some receiving a placebo drug.
Each person was then asked how risky each event was.
Baldwin Way was co-author. “Acetaminophen seems to make people feel less negative emotion when they consider risky activities – they just don’t feel as scared.”
Experts discovered that the people who had taken pills considered things such as bungee jumping or speaking your mind at the office less risky than those who didn’t.
3. Pain in the back
Many people suffering from back pain will take a pill to ease their pain.
However, studies in the past have shown that certain medications can make your pain worse.
McGill University, Canada, conducted a study that included the testing of various medications including naproxen and aspirin.
These results revealed that pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs was only temporary.
According to doctors, such pills can also increase the chance of side effects in the gastrointestinal tract by 2.5 times.
They also found that pills can increase heartburn and stomach irritation.
4. Heart issues
Experts warn that taking painkillers on an ongoing basis could increase your risk of developing heart disease, such as heart attacks.
There has been a 26% increase in heart problems among those who take aspirin.
These include obesity, smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Published inESC Heart Failurefound “those taking aspirin were more likely to subsequently develop the condition than those not using the medication”.
Dr. Blerim Mojaj, University of Freiburg (Germany) was the study author. “While the findings require confirmation, they do indicate that the potential link between aspirin and heart failure needs to be clarified.”
Before you take any painkillers, consult your doctor.
The NHS recommends you consult your pharmacist or doctor before taking ibuprofen if:
- You’ve had a perforation or bleeding in your stomach, or a stomach ulcer more than once, especially if it was caused by an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
- If you have a medical condition that increases your chance of bleeding,
- If you have severe heart disease, kidney failure, liver disease or liver damage,
- You’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant.
- High blood pressure, severe heart disease, or a stroke are all possible.
- If you have liver or kidney problems, asthma, hay fever, allergies, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or diabetes,
- You have chickenpox or shingles, or an infection – taking ibuprofen can increase the chance of certain infections and skin reactions.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to determine if ibuprofen works for you. Always read the leaflet that came with the medicine pack.
You should immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have taken more than the recommended amount of ibuprofen.
If you’re having difficulty breathing or any other symptoms that concern you, ring 111 as soon as possible for assessment or visit your nearest A+E department.