PAINKILLER
GENERATION
Doctors
sound warning over OTC painkillers that increase the risk of a stroke and heart
failure
The
Monday morning headache you have after a late night out on the weekend might
just be the reason why your life gets shortened. If you reach out for one or
two quick-fix pills that you hope will alleviate the pain, you are risking too
much, warn doctors. More individuals are getting dependant on depressants and
painreducing drugs than ever before, with people as young as 15 opting for
cheap, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Addiction to painkillers is also
giving way to full-blown lifestyle diseases.
It starts young
Doctors say more youngsters, aged 15 and above, resort to taking over-the-counter pills at least twice a week, at even the slightest hint of pain. Dr Amit Saraf, consultant, Internal Medicine, affirms, “In recent times, due to various reasons, the medical community has noticed a disturbing trend of people popping pain-killers (analgesics) at the slightest initiation of pain (headache, stomach ache etc). These OTC drugs, especially when consumed without proper medical prescription, are known to have many side-effects, ranging from heart trouble and acidity to kidney failure. Most of today’s youngsters are resorting to such remedies for immediate relief.”
Dr Suresh Vijan quotes a study done last year that shows alarming figures. “I came across a survey of 5,000 young people, which suggested that a staggering 33 per cent of people aged 18-24 took painkillers on a daily basis. The survey suggested that many took these pills for trivial pains such as minor headaches, muscle pain, backaches, usually for long duration without consulting their doctors.”
Deadly cocktail
The result of the seemingly harmless pill-popping is disastrous. You’re looking at spiked rates of fatal heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. In the last two months, interventional cardiologist Dr Vijay Surase has treated close to 20 people — less than 35 years of age — who have a history of taking these self-prescribed painkillers, for heart attacks. “It’s a shocking figure,” he states. “The last case was of a 24-year-old promising student from Mumbai, who underwent angioplasty for a heart attack. He was addicted to painkillers.” Too many painkillers cause stomach ulceration too, which can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. They also affect the functioning of the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.
Before the pills start to control you, take charge of your life. Instant fixes are a recipe for instant disaster when it comes to health.
THE RISKS
> Using a prescribed painkiller for occasional headaches is okay, but taking two tablets in quick succession can be harmful. > Painkillers shouldn’t be taken for more than 7-8 days, that too, only after asking a doctor. > Sometimes, the body develops a tolerance to the same painkiller level, and one tends to take more pills to get the same relief. > You’re looking at spiked rates of fatal heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. > Too many painkillers cause stomach ulceration too, which can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding.
THE REMEDY
> Don’t treat symptoms. Treat the disease. A headache can be caused due to stress, hangover, eye problems etc.
> Lose the flab. Take up yoga. > Do 30 minutes of exercising every day: try cycling, swimming or running and alternate the workout each day. > Take fish-oil tablets. > Increase your sleep time. > Maintain discipline with your exercise routine.
It starts young
Doctors say more youngsters, aged 15 and above, resort to taking over-the-counter pills at least twice a week, at even the slightest hint of pain. Dr Amit Saraf, consultant, Internal Medicine, affirms, “In recent times, due to various reasons, the medical community has noticed a disturbing trend of people popping pain-killers (analgesics) at the slightest initiation of pain (headache, stomach ache etc). These OTC drugs, especially when consumed without proper medical prescription, are known to have many side-effects, ranging from heart trouble and acidity to kidney failure. Most of today’s youngsters are resorting to such remedies for immediate relief.”
Dr Suresh Vijan quotes a study done last year that shows alarming figures. “I came across a survey of 5,000 young people, which suggested that a staggering 33 per cent of people aged 18-24 took painkillers on a daily basis. The survey suggested that many took these pills for trivial pains such as minor headaches, muscle pain, backaches, usually for long duration without consulting their doctors.”
Deadly cocktail
The result of the seemingly harmless pill-popping is disastrous. You’re looking at spiked rates of fatal heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. In the last two months, interventional cardiologist Dr Vijay Surase has treated close to 20 people — less than 35 years of age — who have a history of taking these self-prescribed painkillers, for heart attacks. “It’s a shocking figure,” he states. “The last case was of a 24-year-old promising student from Mumbai, who underwent angioplasty for a heart attack. He was addicted to painkillers.” Too many painkillers cause stomach ulceration too, which can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. They also affect the functioning of the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.
Before the pills start to control you, take charge of your life. Instant fixes are a recipe for instant disaster when it comes to health.
THE RISKS
> Using a prescribed painkiller for occasional headaches is okay, but taking two tablets in quick succession can be harmful. > Painkillers shouldn’t be taken for more than 7-8 days, that too, only after asking a doctor. > Sometimes, the body develops a tolerance to the same painkiller level, and one tends to take more pills to get the same relief. > You’re looking at spiked rates of fatal heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. > Too many painkillers cause stomach ulceration too, which can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding.
THE REMEDY
> Don’t treat symptoms. Treat the disease. A headache can be caused due to stress, hangover, eye problems etc.
> Lose the flab. Take up yoga. > Do 30 minutes of exercising every day: try cycling, swimming or running and alternate the workout each day. > Take fish-oil tablets. > Increase your sleep time. > Maintain discipline with your exercise routine.
Ismat Tahseen — Inputs by Dr Chetan Vellani, physician TIMES NEWS NETWORK TL140209
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