Pharmacists and health experts warn that frequent use of some common painkillers, such as ibuprofen, may increase the risk of serious kidney disease, which in severe cases can even lead to premature death.
Kidney Care UK and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) are calling for the use of these drugs to be monitored more carefully, especially in people at increased risk.
According to experts, drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen belong to the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are widely used to relieve pain and inflammation by blocking the production of a chemical substance in the body that causes pain.
However, their frequent or uncontrolled use can have serious consequences.
How can kidneys be damaged?
These drugs can:
increase blood pressure
cause internal bleeding in severe cases
reduce blood flow to the kidneys.
This can lead to dangerous kidney damage, especially in people with uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, or other health problems.
Experts recommend that in some cases, the use of paracetamol be considered as a safer alternative for common pain.
A disease that often shows no signs
Chronic kidney disease is often called the "silent killer" because in the early stages it usually does not show symptoms.
In many cases, signs only appear when the kidneys are close to failure. Symptoms may include:
constant fatigue
swelling of the feet, ankles, or hands
difficulty breathing
blood in the urine.
Experts warn that a person can lose up to 90% of kidney function without realizing it, so early detection is essential.
Huge increase in cases
Over the past three decades, cases of chronic kidney disease have more than doubled. In the UK alone, around 7.2 million people are living with some form of the disease.
Globally, in 2023 chronic kidney disease ranked as the ninth leading cause of death, claiming an estimated 1.5 million lives.
The increase in cases is mainly related to:
dIABETES
obesity
high blood pressure
frequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
About 40% of people with diabetes develop kidney disease over time.
Advice from experts
Specialists recommend that people who frequently use painkillers:
consult a pharmacist or doctor
avoid long-term use without professional advice
regularly check their kidney health if they are in a risk group.
Pharmacists emphasize that these drugs are safe when used properly, but their misuse can have serious health consequences. /GazetaExpress/
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