If you have had a headache or any form of pain, you have probably been treated.
Common pain relievers like paracetamol can have surprising effects on a variety of ailments.
Most people sometimes take two pills to treat inflammatory pain.
However, those who use it daily or more than intended can put themselves at risk.
Various studies have shown that taking these drugs can cause serious health problems.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and Clinical Director at Patient.info, previously said the risks associated with ibuprofen are “very well documented”.
“For most people, taking a standard dose in a short time is associated with a lower risk of side effects,” she told Sun.
“The problem is where someone is taking high doses or over a long period of time. [weeks or months]But especially both together.”
1. Tinnitus
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, and aspirin previously had a 20% higher risk of developing tinnitus.
Tinnitus is a medical term that describes the perception of noise in one ear, both ears, or the head in the absence of a corresponding external sound.
Although often described as “tinnitus,” the exact sound you hear can vary from person to person.
Frequent use may increase the risk of this condition, according to a study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, USA.
Dr Sharon Curhan said, “This pain reliever is widely available without a prescription, but it is still a drug and has potential side effects.
“Short-term use definitely has advantages.
“However, frequent use over a long period of time may increase the risk of tinnitus and adversely affect other health.
“It is important to take these drugs with caution and limit their use as much as possible.”
2. Behavior
Experts A series of studies conducted by Ohio State University found that taking acetaminophen may put people at greater risk than usual.
More than 100 people have been given the recommended dose for headaches, and some have been given a placebo.
They were then asked to rate different events for how risky each one was.
Study co-author Baldwin Way explained: “Acetaminophen seems to make people feel less negative when considering risky activities. People just don’t feel fear.”
Experts found that those who took the pill viewed things like bungee jumping or speaking their thoughts at work as less dangerous than those who took the placebo pill.
3. Back Pain
Most people who suffer from back pain will pop a pill to relieve the symptoms.
However, previous studies have shown that some medications can actually make pain worse.
Pills such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen have all been tested as part of a study at McGill University in Canada.
Results showed that anti-inflammatory drugs only provided limited short-term pain relief.
Doctors also said these pills could increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects by up to 2.5 times.
Together, they found that the pills may increase the risk of heartburn and stomach irritation.
4. Heart problems
Taking pain relievers on a regular basis may increase your risk of heart problems, such as an emergency heart attack, experts say.
Aspirin is associated with a 26% increase in heart problems in people with at least one predisposition.
These include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A study published in ESC Heart Failure found that “people taking aspirin were more likely to develop later disease than those not taking the drug.”
“The results of this study need confirmation, but suggest that the potential link between aspirin and heart failure needs to be clarified,” said study author Dr. Blerim Mujaj of the University of Freiburg, Germany.
You should always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before taking any pain medication.
The NHS recommends that you talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking ibuprofen if you have:
- You have had one or more perforation or bleeding in your stomach, or a stomach ulcer, especially if it was caused by a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
- You have a health problem that means you are more likely to bleed.
- You have severe heart failure, kidney failure, or liver failure.
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.
- You have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, mild to moderate heart failure, or have had a stroke.
- You have kidney or liver problems, asthma, hay fever or allergies, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or diabetes.
- If you have chickenpox, shingles, or an infection, taking ibuprofen may increase your chances of certain infections and skin reactions.
If in doubt, always check with your pharmacist or doctor to find out if ibuprofen is right for you.
If you take more than the recommended dose of ibuprofen, you should consult your pharmacist or doctor immediately.
If you have shortness of breath or other symptoms of concern, call 111 as soon as possible for a diagnosis or visit the nearest A+E department.