Know Which Pain Reliever is the Most Suitable for You
You may have experienced going to your local pharmacy for your throbbing
headache only to have it worsened by all the confusing options you have.
From aspirin, ibuprofen to acetaminophen, let’s take a look at the
difference between these over-the-counter pain relievers and know which
one is most suitable, not only for your pain management but for your overall
health as well.
Aspirin
Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is the most common over-the-counter
painkiller. This medication is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID) that is known to relieve pain, reduce fever and inflammation.
For the longest time, doctors have recommended aspirins for almost all
kinds of pain that it was included in the Guinness World Records for being
the most frequently sold painkiller. Aspirin is a good choice for treating
headaches, toothaches, muscular pain, sprain, as well as flu-like symptoms
such as colds and fever. In low doses, it can also be used to thin the
blood. However, if you are already taking blood thinners or other medicines
such as vitamins, herbals, and other dietary supplements, this may not
be the best painkiller for you. Some health risks include upset stomach
or in rare cases, bleeding in the intestines or stomach ulcers.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is also a type of NSAID that is generally the most widely used
and accessible pain reliever for day-to-day aches and pains. This medication
works by reducing the amount of prostaglandin or the hormones that cause
inflammation and pain in the body. Ibuprofen can be used for headaches,
backaches as well as inflammation caused by rheumatic and muscular pain.
It can also treat flu-like symptoms and is said to be the most effective
pain reliever for menstrual cramps and period pain. Just like any other
NSAID, ibuprofen can cause upset stomach and bleeding if you take it every
day. It can also increase your risk of heart attacks and stroke.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen belongs to a group of medicines known as analgesics. This
type of medication targets the parts of your brain that receive pain messages
and control body temperature, making it the perfect remedy to ease pain
associated with fever and flu such as headaches, muscle aches, and back
pain. Since acetaminophen is not NSAID, it does not have any anti-swelling
properties that can help with inflammation. Acetaminophen is less likely
to cause an upset stomach, but prolonged usage can cause liver damage.
Whether you are suffering from a common headache, toothache, or pulled
muscle, you can be sure that there is a suitable over-the-counter pain
reliever for you that can help manage your pain. Just make sure that if
you have an existing medical condition, it is still best to consult your
doctor before taking any over-the-counter painkiller.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.