Many pain relievers are available over-the-counter to relieve pain and inflammation. These include Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen.
A combination of medications, including aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine, is also easily available and commonly used by patients to treat headaches and chronic back pain.
“Not many people realize it, but long-term use of pain relievers (pain relievers) can lead to a condition called analgesia that damages the kidneys. Painkillers aren’t harmful. for the kidneys in healthy people if taken occasionally. However, taking it too often For a long time, especially when combining multiple drugs, can cause serious kidney damage,” said Dr. Manju Aggarwal, Director – Medical Services & President – Nephrology Department at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram.
Aggarwal added that the threat is even greater in high-risk populations such as the elderly, diabetics and patients with high blood pressure. She notes that their kidneys can be damaged if they don’t regularly use pain relievers.
Painkillers lead to kidney damage in several ways, including an acute increase in creatinine levels, known as Acute Kidney Injury.
Pre-existing chronic kidney disease can also get worse as creatinine levels rise.
However, in the severe form of the disease, there may be difficulty breathing, vomiting, loss of appetite, and swelling throughout the body.
Doctors say that prevention is better than cure, so be careful when using pain relievers. These should be done if absolutely necessary.
“Patients with known kidney disease or those at risk for kidney disease such as the elderly and diabetics should avoid pain medication altogether. Instead, they should switch to paracetamol or opioids to control,” Aggarwal said. pain control”.
“If you’re taking regular painkillers and find that your creatinine levels rise, stop taking them and see a nephrologist right away,” he advises.
Source: IANS
