I have an inflammation in my foot. My doctor prescribed a NSAID. Here is an explanation of this drug from Wikipedia:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alleviate pain by counteracting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. On its own, COX enzyme synthesizes prostaglandins, creating inflammation. In whole, the NSAIDs prevent the prostaglandins from ever being synthesized, reducing or eliminating the pain.
Some common examples of NSAIDs are: aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. The newer specific COX-inhibitors - although, it is presumed, sharing a similar mode of action - are not classified together with the traditional NSAIDs.
On the other hand, there are analgesics that are commonly associated with anti-inflammatory drugs but that have no anti-inflammatory effects. An example is paracetamol, calledacetaminophen in the U.S. and sold under the brand name of Tylenol. As opposed to NSAIDs, which reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting COX enzymes, paracetamol has recently been shown to block the reuptake of endocannabinoids, which only reduces pain, likely explaining why it has minimal effect on inflammation.
Long-term use of NSAIDs can cause gastric erosions, which can become stomach ulcers and in extreme cases can cause severe haemorrhage, resulting in death. The risk of death as a result of use of NSAIDs is 1 in 12,000 for adults aged 16–45. The risk increases almost twentyfold for those over 75. Other dangers of NSAIDs are exacerbating asthma and causing kidney damage. Apart from aspirin, prescription and over-the-counter NSAIDs also increase the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.
The newer classes of NSAIDS like ibuprofen could be dangerous as mentioned. A few years ago, all restructured hospitals had to recall a certain NSAIDS drug given to patients, as a study found it could cause strokes.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it's better to stick to good old Aspirin, used in the short term should be safe with some precautions.
From the famous Dr Oz TV programme, first drink half glass plain water, then 15 mins later, drink half mug milk to line stomach with its protein, then eat a light meal up to 3/4 full, then take Aspirin with another half glass water. Simply put, dun take drug on empty stomach.
Some doctors even reccommend taking low dose baby Aspirin for heart attack prone patients as prevention. Common sense prevails one should immediately stop taking drug if stomach feels funny.
Some people also take tumeric tablets (have anti inflammatory properties as well) to reduce Aspirin dosage, or take this root only for pain of less intensity.
As a long time user of nsaids, I confidently tell you not to bother about side effects for short term usage. In fact, if your painful condition is localized, use of antiinflamatory drugs heals the condition quickly. Have a nice sleep.
ReplyDeleteI suffer from gout and despite treatment with allopurinol, I occasionally will have protein crystals forming in my knee joints.
ReplyDeleteThis of course will cause inflammation and I will feel pain. These attacks occur at night and I will get insufficient sleep.
I take 90 gm x 2 tab of Arcoxia(brand name)
(Etoricoxib,pronounced ee-TOR-ee-cox-ib, is the chemical name)
It is available only with a prescription.
All this talk about side effects, dying etc.. is pointless.There are side effects when we eat too much red meat, smoke, drink and work too hard, yet we do it.
It works well and if you have to use it, please do. Just do not get addicted to any drug.
I am only 55 years young and overweight with a taste for all things delicious... I am human.
Hi folks,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. It is great to share experience on common ailments faced by people growing older.
My father faced the same problem. He took anti inflammatory pain killers. He developed stomach ulcer and had to be operated to remove two thirds of his stomach. His health deteriorated shortly after, and he passed away soon after. That was 16 years ago. So, the side effect on the stomach due to the drugs is a serious matter. Doctors advised taking the drugs with food. Sometimes I had to ignore it due to practical considerations, but I try to observe it where possible.
ReplyDeleteEach of us have different reaction/response to any drug.
ReplyDeleteHow our bodies function and metabolic processes is genetic.
The precautions, advice is based on statistical research during the drug's testing phase and also ongoing feedback from practioners.
1% of patients going for open heart surgey may die ( for example) Because knowing that, will we deny ourselves the surgery?
Pain killers ( regardless of their design, NSAIDs) is an invention of science. If it helps me, I will use it.
We begin to approach yoga, organic foods, excercise only because we fear the unknown.
Sigh, only upon heaven's gate, ( or hell's) then we realise our folly.
We are human.
Nutmeg juice is anti-inflamatory. I drink the juice every other day to control inflamtion caused by rheumatoid arthritis. I hope it does not have side effects for long-term use.
ReplyDeleteI took the NSAID drug for one day, and it removed the inflammation. The fee charged by my doctor (a GP) is less than $30. It solved my problem. No need to see a specialist and pay so much more!
ReplyDeleteI had a bad shoulder due to yoga. I went to see a specialist and he prescribed arcoxia for 3 weeks. Afterr 6 weeks i still had pains.
ReplyDeleteI then went to see a chinese chiropracter. He said my shoulder slightly dislocated, he relaligned it with a snap, and two days later the pain is gone.