Pain is one of the most common symptoms in several ailments. So, managing pain, or providing quick relief from pain, becomes a challenge for both the patient and the care-givers. This has created an entire category of over-the-counter pain-killers which can be purchased without a prescription. The easy access to these drugs and the quick relief they provide from pain comes as a blessing to the patient and family.
However, there are risks inherent in this. Most of these pain-killers can create strong and harmful side-effects if taken recklessly, or without medical supervision. Further, some of them react with a medication you are taking for other ailments. Also, caution must be exercised while administering these to children and elders, especially if their immune system is compromised. Hence this article is to educate you on the benefits and risks of these drugs.
Analgesics or pain-killers are of different types. Those that are taken upon prescription can be divided into non –narcotic analgesics, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)., narcotic analgesics, pain–relieving patches and local applications, antidepressants, and rarely, corticosteroids.
But over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers are generally the following:
While OTCs provide quick relief, there are various risks associated with reckless use; that is, using them at the mildest sensation of pain, or using them over the recommended dosage. Short and long-term risks include:
As the name implies, one can buy an over-the-counter pain-killer or pain reliever at will. However, pain management is not that simple and is a complex subject best handled by doctors. These OTC pain-killers should only be taken as the last resort when emergency medical care is not accessible.
If you or any of your dear ones are experiencing pain due to one or more conditions, rush to a reputed hospital. A general physician will analyze your condition quickly and direct you to a relevant specialist. The specialist will conduct various tests on you and design the best course of treatment for quick recovery and rehabilitation.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
There were many risks I did not know about. Thank you for the blog.
This blog is very informative and sheds light on lot of important things. Good one.
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