The Painkillers That You Are Popping Are Severely Damaging Your Kidneys! Expert Shares What To Do Instead

Are you someone who resorts to painkillers almost every day to deal with persistent aches and pains? Many of us have been there! With our busy lives, seeking quick relief from discomfort is something we want without giving it a second thought. But did you know these painkillers are severely damaging your kidneys?

Especially patients with renal dysfunction are at increased risk of worsening kidney damage with painkiller. Even people with normal renal function can develop renal damage when pain killers are taken for a prolonged period of time.

Dr Navinath. M, Consultant Nephrologist and Renal Transplant Physician, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, explains, "It is never advisable to self medicate or take over the counter painkillers for headaches / bodyaches as they can increase the risk of kidney damage. It is always better to meet a doctor and find the cause of pain and manage the cause appropriately than take pain killers alone for temporary relief of pain. Even when painkillers are necessary they are prescribed by doctors after preliminary tests to look for renal functions and given in appropriate duration and dose to prevent any renal damage."

Of all the painkillers NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) like ibuprofen , diclofenac, aceclofenac have the highest risk of renal damage and should be taken only under medical supervision.

People who have self medicated with these medicines for a long period of time for conditions like joint pains, backaches, bodyaches and headaches may have renal damage. Renal damage caused by painkillers may not give any symptoms in the early stages and needs blood and urine tests to diagnose it. Thus it is advisable that patients with history of long term pain killer use should get their kidney functions tested.

Tips To Avoid Kidney Damage Through Painkillers

• Avoid self medicating / taking OTC painkiller
• Discuss with your healthcare team how often you take painkillers
• Stay hydrated when taking these medicines to avoid dehydration
• Use pain medicines only as directed—at the lowest dose for the shortest time

Prolonged use of painkillers like NSAIDs can cause renal damage when taken without medical supervision and is necessary to get renal functions checked at regular intervals for patients on painkillers and act accordingly.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.