How do painkillers like Advil and aspirin affect your stomach. What are the risks of taking NSAIDs for pain relief. How can you manage heartburn while using painkillers. What alternatives exist for pain management without stomach issues.

Understanding the Link Between Painkillers and Digestive Issues

Painkillers, particularly those belonging to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are widely used for managing various types of pain. However, many people are unaware of the potential side effects these medications can have on their digestive system. A 2008 study revealed that 27% of NSAID users reported experiencing heartburn or acid regurgitation, compared to only 19% of non-users. This significant difference highlights the impact these drugs can have on our stomach health.

NSAIDs, which include common over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, can increase the risk of heartburn and acid regurgitation by approximately 60%. This raises an important question: How do these painkillers affect our digestive system?

The Mechanism Behind Painkiller-Induced Stomach Problems

Painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen can cause acidity and heartburn through several mechanisms:

• Increasing acid production in the stomach
• Inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins, which have a protective effect on the digestive tract
• Damaging the protective layer of the stomach, allowing acid to enter cells and cause inflammation

These effects can lead to a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and in more severe cases, ulcers. In fact, regular use of anti-inflammatory painkillers can increase the risk of ulcers up to five times.

Recognizing the Symptoms of NSAID-Induced Stomach Problems

Identifying the signs of stomach issues caused by painkillers is crucial for early intervention and prevention of more serious complications. The symptoms of stomach problems after taking NSAIDs can include:

• Heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloody stools (in severe cases)

Can these symptoms be prevented or minimized? Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help reduce the risk of developing these digestive issues while taking painkillers.

Strategies for Minimizing Stomach Issues When Taking Painkillers

While it may not always be possible to avoid painkillers completely, there are steps you can take to minimize their impact on your digestive system:

1. Never take painkillers on an empty stomach. Although paracetamol can be taken without food, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin should always be taken with or after food or a glass of milk. This helps reduce irritation of the stomach lining and lowers the risk of indigestion, heartburn, and nausea.
2. Follow dosage instructions carefully. Take painkillers only in the quantity and at the intervals prescribed by your doctor. This can significantly reduce the risk of ulcers and heartburn.
3. Consider protective foods. Consuming mucilage-rich foods like licorice root tea or aloe vera juice can provide a natural protective coating for your gastrointestinal tract.
4. Incorporate probiotics into your diet. Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria and yeasts that support gut health and can help reduce stomach injury caused by painkillers.

The Role of Acid-Reducing Medications in Managing Painkiller Side Effects

For those who frequently use painkillers and experience persistent acidity or heartburn, acid-reducing medications can be a helpful solution. These medications work in different ways to alleviate symptoms and protect the stomach lining:

• Antacids: These quickly neutralize stomach acid, providing fast relief from heartburn and indigestion.
• H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs): While not as fast-acting as antacids, H2RAs can provide longer-lasting relief by reducing stomach acid production.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These are the strongest stomach acid inhibitors available. They significantly reduce acid production, allowing the esophagus and stomach time to heal from irritation and erosive damage.

Among the various PPIs available, omeprazole stands out due to its extensive research backing and favorable safety profile. It accounts for more than 40% of PPI prescriptions worldwide, making it the most widely used option globally.

Alternative Pain Management Strategies to Reduce Reliance on NSAIDs

Given the potential side effects of NSAIDs, exploring alternative pain management strategies can be beneficial for those with chronic pain or frequent painkiller use. Some options to consider include:

• Physical therapy and exercise
• Acupuncture
• Mindfulness and meditation techniques
• Topical pain relief creams or gels
• Heat or cold therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for pain management

These alternatives can help reduce reliance on NSAIDs and minimize the risk of associated digestive issues. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your pain management routine.

The Importance of Proper Painkiller Use and Medical Supervision

While over-the-counter painkillers are easily accessible, their potential side effects highlight the importance of using them responsibly and under medical supervision. Are there guidelines for safe painkiller use? Indeed, here are some key points to remember:

• Always follow the recommended dosage and frequency of use
• Inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
• Regularly review your pain management strategy with your healthcare provider
• Be aware of potential drug interactions, especially if you’re taking multiple medications
• Consider alternatives to NSAIDs if you have a history of stomach ulcers or other digestive issues

By adhering to these guidelines and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can minimize the risks associated with painkiller use while effectively managing your pain.

Long-Term Health Implications of Chronic Painkiller Use

While painkillers can provide much-needed relief, chronic use can lead to various health complications beyond just digestive issues. Understanding these potential long-term effects is crucial for making informed decisions about pain management:

• Increased risk of cardiovascular events: Long-term use of certain NSAIDs has been associated with a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Kidney damage: Prolonged use of NSAIDs can affect kidney function, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease.
• Liver damage: Overuse of acetaminophen (paracetamol) can cause severe liver damage.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding: Chronic NSAID use significantly increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Medication overuse headaches: Ironically, frequent use of painkillers for headaches can lead to more frequent and severe headaches.

These potential complications underscore the importance of using painkillers judiciously and exploring alternative pain management strategies whenever possible.

The Future of Pain Management: Balancing Effectiveness and Safety

As our understanding of pain mechanisms and drug interactions continues to evolve, researchers are working on developing new approaches to pain management that minimize side effects while maximizing relief. Some promising areas of research include:

• Targeted pain relief: Developing drugs that act specifically on pain pathways without affecting other bodily systems.
• Personalized medicine: Using genetic information to predict an individual’s response to different pain medications and tailor treatment accordingly.
• Non-pharmacological interventions: Advancing techniques like neurostimulation and virtual reality therapy for pain management.
• Novel drug delivery systems: Creating formulations that deliver pain relief more effectively while reducing systemic side effects.

These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize pain management, offering more effective and safer options for those dealing with chronic pain. However, until these new approaches become widely available, it’s crucial to use existing painkillers responsibly and be aware of their potential side effects.

In conclusion, while painkillers like Advil and aspirin can be effective for managing pain, their use comes with potential risks, particularly to the digestive system. By understanding these risks, taking preventive measures, and exploring alternative pain management strategies, individuals can find a balance between effective pain relief and maintaining overall health. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on pain management, especially if you experience persistent heartburn or other digestive issues while using painkillers.

Heartburn And Acidity – The Downside And Side Effects Of Painkillers!

By Priya Mewada +2
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Last updated: Apr 27, 2023

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Are you amongst those who pop painkillers quite often? Well, you may not be aware, but painkillers can end up causing heartburn and damage to your stomach.    

Heartburn and acid reflux occurs when stomach contents and acid flow back up into the food pipe carrying food from your mouth to the stomach, called the oesophagus. In some people, the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that helps keep food in the stomach after you swallow, can become weakened, allowing food and stomach acid to travel back toward the mouth. This causes acid reflux and heartburn.

Although food and lifestyle are believed to be the main culprits, certain medications you take, viz., painkillers can also cause heartburn and acidity.

Most of the painkillers, like aspirin and ibuprofen, used to treat mild-to-moderate pain belong to the drug class called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although they help alleviate pain, they can cause acidity and ulcers in the stomach.

A 2008 study found that 27% of individuals using NSAIDs reported heartburn, acid regurgitation or both compared to only 19% in non-users.  

Table of Contents

1

Painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen can cause acidity and heartburn by

• Increasing acid production in the stomach.
• Stopping the formation of prostaglandins that have a protective effect on the digestive tract.
• Damaging the protective layer of the stomach, allowing acid to enter cells, causing inflammation.  

NSAIDs category of painkillers can increase the risk of heartburn and acid regurgitation by approximately 60%.

The symptoms of stomach problems after taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) include –

• Nausea and vomiting  
• Heartburn  
• Stomach pain  
• Ulcers – Regular use of anti-inflammatory painkillers can increase the risk of ulcers up to five times
• Indigestion  
• diarrhoea
• Constipation  
• Bloody stools  

Do not consume painkillers on an empty stomach

Although, paracetamol can safely be taken on an empty stomach; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, should be taken with or after food or a glass of milk.   

Food helps reduce irritation of the stomach lining, which in turn helps reduce the risk of indigestion, heartburn, pain and nausea.

Managing heartburn while taking painkillers

In patients with frequent painkiller use, acidity, heartburn and stomach ulcers can pose a grave problem. Various ways to alleviate the symptoms include:

  Painkillers should be taken only in quantity and time intervals as prescribed by the doctor. This can help reduce the risk of ulcers and heartburn.  

Food helps reduce irritation of the stomach lining and reduces the risk of indigestion, heartburn and stomach pain.

Mucilage acts as a natural coat that protects the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.

Consume mucilage rich foods like liquorice root tea, Aloe Vera juice.  

• Take probiotics

Probiotics contain live bacteria and yeasts that are vital for good gut health. They can reduce stomach injury caused by painkillers.

• Use acidity medications

• Antacids help neutralise stomach acid.
• h3-receptor antagonists (h3RAs) can reduce stomach acid. h3RAs do not act as quickly as antacids but may provide longer relief.  
• Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, are the strongest stomach acid inhibitors available. They greatly reduce the production of stomach acid to provide the oesophagus and stomach time to heal from irritation and erosive damage. Amongst several PPIs available like Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole and Esomeprazole, Omeprazole is the one having highest published evidence and studies regarding its better safety. All the PPIs have similar efficacy; however, Omeprazole due to its better safety and highest affordability is the most used PPI globally with more than 40% prescription share worldwide.  

Also Read: Omee Uses

If you experience chronic heartburn and acidity from your medication, consult your physician so that he can suggest ways to cure heartburn symptoms.

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

Heartburn, Internal Bleeding & More

15 Ibuprofen (Advil) Side Effects: Heartburn, Internal Bleeding & More

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Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. D. — By University of Illinois — Updated on March 8, 2019

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever. It can cause minor digestive side effects. It may cause more severe side effects if you have certain health conditions or take it with other medications.

Advil is one of the name-brand versions of ibuprofen. You may know that it relieves minor aches, pains, and fever. However, you may not know the side effects of this common drug.

Learn what these effects are and when they’re most likely to occur so that you can use this drug safely.

Ibuprofen helps lower fever. It also helps relieve minor pain from:

• headaches
• toothaches
• menstrual cramps
• backaches
• muscle aches

Ibuprofen belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs temporarily reduce the amount of prostaglandins made by your body.

Your body releases prostaglandins when you have an injury. These hormone-like substances contribute to inflammation, which includes swelling, fever, and increased sensitivity to pain.

Ibuprofen is so widely used that it can be easy to forget this drug can cause side effects. Still, ibuprofen is a drug, and it comes with risks like any other drug.

The more common side effects of ibuprofen are:

• stomach pain
• heartburn
• nausea
• vomiting
• gas
• constipation
• diarrhea

Not everyone has these side effects. When they do occur, the effects are usually mild. Many people can prevent these side effects by taking ibuprofen with milk or food.

Serious side effects can also occur. Most of these risks are uncommon and can usually be avoided by taking ibuprofen as recommended.

However, taking too much ibuprofen or taking it for too long can make these serious side effects more likely.

For most people, the risks of heart attack and stroke are rare. However, your risks increase if you use too much ibuprofen or use it for too long. Your risk is also higher if you:

• have other risk factors for heart attack or stroke
• have a clotting disorder
• take other medications that affect how your blood clots

If you have any risk factors or take other drugs, talk to your doctor before using ibuprofen.

Prostaglandins help keep the pressure in your kidneys at the right level to filter the fluids in your body and maintain your blood pressure.

Ibuprofen changes your body’s production of prostaglandins. This change can lead to an imbalance in your body fluid pressure, which can decrease your kidney function and increase your blood pressure.

Symptoms of decreased kidney function include:

• increased blood pressure
• fluid buildup
• dehydration
• urinating less frequently
• dizziness

Your risk is increased if you:

• are an older adult
• have kidney disease
• take blood pressure medications

Prostaglandins also help maintain the constant repair of your stomach lining, which protects you from damage from stomach acid.

Because ibuprofen decreases how much prostaglandin you make, stomach damage such as bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines is a possible side effect.

This side effect is fairly rare. However, the risk increases the longer you use ibuprofen. Other factors that increase your risk include:

• a history of ulcers or bleeding in your stomach or intestines
• older age
• use of oral steroids or the blood thinners known as anticoagulants
• smoking
• alcohol use, specifically more than three alcoholic beverages per day

Did you know?

If you have severe stomach pain or you notice bloody or tarry stools, you may have symptoms of an ulcer. Contact your doctor right away and stop taking ibuprofen.

Some people have an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, but this is also rare.

If you’ve had allergic reactions to aspirin, don’t take ibuprofen. If you start to have trouble breathing or your face or throat starts to swell, contact your doctor right away and stop taking ibuprofen.

There’s a very rare risk of liver failure after taking ibuprofen. If you have liver disease, talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen. Stop taking ibuprofen and contact your doctor right away if you start to have any of the following symptoms:

• nausea
• tiredness
• lack of energy
• itchiness
• yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
• pain in the upper right area of your abdomen
• flu-like symptoms

These may be signs of liver damage or liver failure.

Ibuprofen can be a safe and easy over-the-counter remedy (OTC) for minor aches and pains. However, if you don’t use it as recommended, ibuprofen can possibly be harmful.

It’s always smart to talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen if you’re not sure if you should use it. If you experience bothersome side effects or believe you may have taken too much, contact your doctor right away.

Most of the serious side effects result from taking the drug when you shouldn’t, taking too much of it, or taking it for too long. You can reduce your risk of side effects by using the smallest possible dose for shortest possible time.

Last medically reviewed on March 7, 2019

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Advil – ibuprofen sodium tablet, coated. (2018).  
  dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5be198b8-396e-4b44-8819-e2e3b5d2ad0e
• Ibuprofen – ibuprofen tablet, film coated. (2007).  
  dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=953cee06-5c26-4f30-870a-46b9fbb66e79
• Risser A, et al. (2009). NSAID prescribing precautions.  
  aafp.org/afp/2009/1215/p1371.html
• Ibuprofen. (2016).  
  medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682159. html

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Mar 8, 2019

Written By

University of Illinois-Chicago

Edited By

Heather Hobbs

Mar 7, 2019

Medically Reviewed By

Alan Carter, PharmD

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By University of Illinois — Updated on March 8, 2019

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Hidden reserve: chewing gum – FOR EVERYONE AND ABOUT EVERYTHING — LiveJournal

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Hidden reserve: gum

p_i_f

March 25th, 2016 90 014

Repellent
Menthol, often found in chewing gum, can not only freshen your breath, but also repel individual insects. The substance is a powerful natural repellent, the smell of which is not tolerated by some species of beetles, cockroaches and silkworms.

Medication
It is necessary to treat heartburn with other, special medicines, but if it so happened that heartburn caught at the most inopportune moment, and there is only chewing gum from improvised means, then you can use it to combat heartburn. Chewing helps alleviate the pain of heartburn, and the very process of salivation cleanses the stomach and dilutes the gastric juices.

Repair
Gum contains, among other things, a polymer or rubber base. This rubber chewable component can come in handy when something suddenly breaks and needs to be fixed quickly. In this case, chewing gum can be used as a temporary fix for a small, lightweight item like glasses.

Fire
If, by chance, you have to pass the “test” – fire without matches and a lighter, you can easily cope with this task, throwing chewing gum and a battery into your backpack in advance. The paper-coated foil wrapper should be cut in a certain way, and then the ends should be attached to the battery.

Bait
In extreme cases, when there is nothing else to catch, chewing gum can be used as bait. Experienced fishermen claim that crucian bites perfectly on chewed gum for just a couple of minutes. The foil from the plate can be adapted for a lure.

Patch
Natural or synthetic polymer bases used for chewing gum are also often used to make bicycle inner tubes. So in the field, when you don’t really have to choose, chewing gum is quite suitable for making a temporary patch. To do this, it is necessary to stick it to the puncture site, and stick a strip of electrical tape or adhesive tape on top.

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Hidden reserve: chewing gum

Since ancient times, to cleanse plaque on the teeth and give fresh breath, our distant ancestors chewed various materials that imitate modern chewing gum. The prototype gum consisted of beeswax, rubber, or tree resin. Later, resourceful entrepreneurs refined the natural composition, included sugar and flavors in it, and in 1848 launched the first industrial production of chewing gum.

Modern chewing gum consists of an elastic base, as well as various flavoring and food additives. Everyone knows that chewing gum helps to clean teeth and provides a kind of gum massage, but few people know that chewing gum can also perform a number of other functions. Like many things, this culinary product has its own hidden reserve, which can come in handy in a variety of situations.

• Repellent

  Menthol, often found in chewing gum, can not only freshen your breath, but also repel certain insects. The substance is a powerful natural repellent, the smell of which is not tolerated by some species of beetles, cockroaches and silkworms.

• Medication

  It is necessary to treat heartburn with other, special medicines, but if it so happened that heartburn caught at the most inopportune moment, and there is only chewing gum from improvised means, then you can use it to combat heartburn. Chewing helps alleviate the pain of heartburn, and the very process of salivation cleanses the stomach and dilutes the gastric juices.

• Repair

  Gum contains, among other things, a polymer or rubber base. This rubber chewable component can come in handy when something suddenly breaks and needs to be fixed quickly. In this case, chewing gum can be used as a temporary fix for a small, lightweight item like glasses.

• Fire

  If by chance you have to pass the “test” – fire without matches and a lighter, you can easily cope with this task, if you throw chewing gum and a battery into your backpack in advance. The paper-coated foil wrapper should be cut in a certain way, and then the ends should be attached to the battery.

• Bait

  In extreme cases, when there is nothing else to catch, chewing gum can be used as bait. Experienced fishermen claim that crucian bites perfectly on chewed gum for just a couple of minutes. The foil from the plate can be adapted for a lure.

• Patch

  Natural or synthetic polymer bases used for chewing gum are also often used to make bicycle inner tubes. So in the field, when you don’t really have to choose, chewing gum is quite suitable for making a temporary patch. To do this, it must be riveted to the puncture site, and a strip of electrical tape or adhesive tape should be glued on top.