A doctor has cautioned that taking a readily available over-the-counter medication “around the clock” can lead to unpleasant side effects.
In a video, Doctor Mike, a family physician and YouTuber, gathered doctors from various specialties to share practices they avoid with his 13.2 million subscribers.
Dr. Austin Chiang, an interventional gastroenterologist, shared the dangers of misusing a commonly purchased painkiller. Prolonged use of this painkiller may lead to a medical condition characterised by burning abdominal pain, according to the NHS.
Dr. Chiang said: “One thing I would never do because of what I learned in my specialty is take an anti-inflammatory pain medication, like Motrin, Advil, Aleve, long-term, around the clock, indefinitely because that really wears away at the protective lining of your stomach,” reports Surrey Live.
“It can cause ulcers and people don’t realise that some over-the-counter medications can have effects like that if you keep on taking them without stopping them.”
A common symptom is a burning pain in the abdomen
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Motrin and Advil are ibuprofen brand names, while Aleve is a naproxen brand name. Both are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly used for pain relief.
According to the NHS, stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers) are sores on the stomach lining but can also occur in the intestine (duodenal ulcers) with the same symptoms.
Stomach ulcers occur when the layer that protects the stomach lining is damaged, typically due to a helicobacter pylori infection or prolonged use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
This risk is particularly high with extended use or high doses of NSAIDs, and individuals aged 60 or over and men are more susceptible to stomach ulcers. However, anyone can develop them.
Common symptoms include a burning abdominal pain, while less noticeable signs may encompass indigestion, acid reflux, nausea, and heartburn.
Dr Chiang warned that the prolonged use of the painkiller can contribute to a medical condition
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The NHS advises seeking medical attention if you suspect you have a stomach ulcer. Immediate medical help should be sought via your GP or by calling 111 if you experience dark, sticky, tar-like stools or a sudden, sharp stomach pain that progressively worsens.
If you’re vomiting blood, it’s crucial to head to the nearest A&E department or dial 999, as this could signify a severe issue such as internal bleeding.
The NHS also warns people about the dangers of overdosing on NSAIDs, urging immediate medical assistance from your GP or NHS 111 in such cases.
In the event of severe side effects like breathing difficulties, seizures, or loss of consciousness, call 999 for an ambulance immediately.
Further information about stomach ulcers can be found on the NHS website here. For more details on NSAIDs, visit this page.