Gastroenterologist Dr. Tatiana Golovshanskaya warned that the uncontrolled use of painkillers poses a hidden health risk.
According to her, long-term self-treatment with NSAIDs may lead to a specific medical diagnosis—NSAID-induced stomach ulcer, which develops when a person regularly takes painkillers—often ibuprofen—to treat migraines, toothaches, or chronic pain.
She says: "At first glance, it doesn't seem alarming; a person takes a pill, and the pain subsides. But gradually, taking medication can become a habit, as the person begins to rely on painkillers regularly."
According to him, over time, the body reacts to this stress, and the consequences can be serious, ranging from stomach ulcers to gastrointestinal bleeding. The problem lies not in the medication itself, but in its misuse.
She says, emphasizing: "Every drug has indications for use and contraindications, in addition to a precise dosage regimen, and adhering to it is very important. We must also remember that ibuprofen and paracetamol, contrary to popular belief, are not completely safe."
It indicates that taking them without medical supervision can have a toxic effect on the liver. Therefore, it is important to take painkillers responsibly. That is, a person should always consider the type of medication they are taking, the dosage, and how often they take it.
