When we get a headache, we take aspirin. If there is muscle pain, we take paracetamol. Similarly, in case of stomach or toothache, one buys pain killers from a medical store and consumes them. It also provides immediate relief. This is why painkillers are one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications around the world.
The more commonly we use painkillers, the more dangerous their side effects are. These drugs can seriously affect our stomach and kidneys in particular. Their excessive or improper use can cause stomach ulcers, liver damage and kidney damage.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine in July, 2021, taking too many painkillers or consuming them for a long time increases the risk of liver and kidney damage. It also increases the risk of heart diseases.
So, today' Health water In ' we will talk about the side effects of painkillers. You will also know that-
- How big is the market for painkillers?
- What are painkillers and how do they work?
- Why is kidney health deteriorating due to this?
The market of pain killers drugs is growing day by day According to 'Market Research Future', a global research company on every type of market in the world, the painkiller market is one of the fastest growing markets in the world. Based on the rapid growth in their demand over the past few years, it is estimated that its market could grow at a CAGR of 7.2% between the years 2024 and 2032.
The painkillers market in India is growing faster than the rest of the world. It is estimated that it could grow at a CAGR of 9.21% between 2024 and 2029.
What are painkillers? In medical parlance, pain killers are called analgesics. These are drugs that help control pain and reduce fever. There are also some of these medications that can reduce swelling. It is mainly divided into two categories-
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Opioids
How do these drugs work?
- NSAIDs block pain and inflammation signals. So, after eating this, the pain experience stops.
- Opioids directly regulate the nervous system. This blocks receptors in the brain. Due to which the message of pain in any part of the body does not reach the brain. So, after eating this, the feeling of pain stops.
What harm do painkillers do to health? Dr. Ganesh Srinivas says that first of all it is important for us to understand that no drug is completely risk free. Because painkillers affect the entire body, including our brain receptors and nervous system, their damage is even greater. Let's see in a graphic what side effects they can have.
Kidneys are the most affected Dr. Ganesh Srinivas says that painkillers cause the most damage to the kidneys. This happens because painkillers reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Due to which kidney function is affected. Apart from this, kidney tissue is also damaged. Ultimately, it is the kidney's job to filter these drugs out of the body. Meanwhile, these drugs also affect the kidneys. This is why consuming too many painkillers increases the risk of kidney damage.
5% of cases of kidney failure due to pain killers According to the American National Kidney Foundation, improper use of painkillers can cause problems throughout the body, including the kidneys. 3% to 5% of new cases of chronic kidney failure each year are due to overuse of these painkillers. Once one develops kidney disease, continued use of these drugs worsens the condition.
Painkillers are not the enemy Dr. Ganesh Srinivas says that painkillers are made to reduce our pain and provide relief. If it is consumed carefully as per the doctor's prescription, the damage caused by it can be reduced.
Dr. The side effects of painkillers can be minimized by following these instructions given by Ganesh Srinivas:
Follow the dosage instructions: If you are taking pain killers, always follow the prescribed or recommended dosage. If you have persistent pain, consult a doctor instead of self-medicating.
Use as little as possible: Use painkillers as little as possible. If the pain persists, consult a doctor and treat the underlying problem.
Find options: Depending on the cause of the pain, there may be several options to reduce it. There is no need to take any kind of medicine in this. Things like physical therapy, acupuncture, or mindfulness can provide relief from moderate pain.
Get regular checkups: If you regularly consume painkillers due to any medical or physical condition, then get your stomach and kidneys checked regularly. This will reveal how much these drugs are affecting the kidneys and stomach. Accordingly, the doctor may change their dosage.
Avoid alcohol: If a person drinks alcohol along with painkillers, it can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and kidney damage. It also increases the risk of liver damage. So, stay away from alcohol during this period.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
