Are you using painkillers correctly?

If you immediately turn to painkillers when you're in pain, you're making a mistake. Experts point out that trying to relieve the pain can cause damage to your body. Therefore, Algiology (Pain) and Anesthesiology Specialist Prof. Dr. İlhan Öztekin stated that painkillers are not as innocent as they seem, and touched on important points on this subject.

Don't think, 'It will pass with medication anyway'

Painkillers provide temporary relief but do not eliminate the cause of the pain. It is not appropriate to continue using medication for pain of unknown cause. Because pain is often a warning signal of a sudden or chronic condition developing in the body, it is essential to first identify the cause of the pain to identify and treat potentially dangerous pathologies/diseases that are too late to be treated.

How many varieties are there?

Painkillers are basically divided into two groups:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Suitable for short-term use (2-3 days) for mild pain that occurs suddenly or after trauma. However, if side effects occur even with short-term use, the medication should be discontinued immediately. Narcotic analgesics: For more severe, chronic pain, they should only be used under medical supervision.

After what dose does the risk start?

The general rule is that if relief is not achieved within a few days or if a higher dose is required, the medication should be discontinued and a physician consulted. Some painkillers can have side effects even at very low doses.

More dangerous for the elderly and children...

In the elderly, painkillers can become toxic more quickly due to weakened kidney function. These individuals are at increased risk of sudden kidney failure, stomach bleeding, and heart attack. In children, because their liver and kidneys are not fully developed, long-term or high-dose use can lead to growth retardation, liver damage, and hormonal imbalances. Sudden drops in blood pressure and allergic reactions can also occur.

Are over-the-counter drugs addictive?

With long-term use, psychological dependence, rather than physical dependence, can develop. Some people find themselves unable to find relief without painkillers, which increases unnecessary drug use. Sleep disturbances and restlessness are common.

Consult a doctor if you see these signals.

If you experience these signals, consult a doctor without taking medication. Pain is a warning signal sent by the body. Instead of trying to silence this warning, we need to investigate its cause. In the following cases, you should consult a doctor without taking painkillers: - Pain that persists within 2-3 days or recurs, - Nausea, vomiting, or visual disturbances accompanied by a severe headache, - Sudden and intense onset of chest, abdominal, back, or leg pain.

-Bone or muscle pain that begins without a history of trauma.

Ways to relieve mild pain without medication

For mild pain, the following methods can be tried first: - Rest, drink enough water - Light massage and hot/cold application - Reducing stress, doing deep breathing exercises

-Get physical therapy or exercise advice if necessary

Can different types be taken together?

Taking different types of painkillers simultaneously can increase side effects in many cases. Serious reactions such as dizziness, low blood pressure, and stomach bleeding can occur. Therefore, combining medications without a doctor's advice is dangerous.

Which organs are harmed by uncontrolled use?

Uncontrolled and long-term use of painkillers can cause unresponsiveness in the body and even cause the pain to intensify and recur.

In particular, it can damage the following organs:

Gastrointestinal system: May cause ulcers, gastritis, and internal bleeding. Kidneys: May cause kidney damage. Sudden kidney failure may occur. Liver: Excessive use of medications, especially those containing paracetamol, can lead to liver damage and necrosis. Heart and brain: Long-term use may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Does frequent use affect hormones in women?

Simple painkillers generally don't disrupt hormonal balance. However, some medications containing cortisone or those used for long-term migraine treatment can cause side effects over time, such as menstrual irregularities and hair growth. These medications should always be taken under medical supervision.