Popular painkiller linked to stomach, heart and circulation issues – expert warning
Rheumatoid Arthritis: NHS on common signs and symptoms
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Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is widely used for its pain-relieving properties, especially when it comes to sore and achy joints. The popular painkiller, however, can cause “stomach-related side effects”, the charity Versus Arthritis warned. People who experience heartburn or indigestion while using ibuprofen are encouraged to “speak to [their] doctor”.
Long-term use of ibuprofen is not recommended, as it “increases the risk of problems with your heart of circulation”.
Such risk is more pronounced for those who tick off other risk factors for heart conditions.
Coronary heart disease
The NHS stated that coronary heart disease “is a major cause of death in the UK”.
Symptoms of heart disease may include:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Pain throughout the body
- Feeling faint
- Feeling sick (nausea).
The risk factors of coronary heart disease include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Diabetes
- Obesity.
Ibuprofen is an everyday painkiller that is used for an array of ailments, not only arthritis.
The national health body pointed out that ibuprofen can also be used to treat symptoms of coronavirus, period pain, toothache, and sprains.
People who take ibuprofen are advised not to mix it with aspirin or naproxen without talking to a doctor first.
If taken orally, ibuprofen may cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, wind, or indigestion.
These side effects occur in more than one in 100 people, and are therefore considered “common”.
Should you experience these side effects when taking ibuprofen, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Meanwhile, there are some “serious” side effects that warrant an immediate call to your doctor.
These include black poo or blood in your vomit, as they can be signs of internal bleeding.
Also notify your doctor immediately if your ankles swell, there is blood in your urine, or you are unable to urinate. Such issues are indicative of a kidney problem.
If there is any “severe” chest or stomach pain, it may be the result of a hole in the stomach or gut.
Ibuprofen may also lead to difficulty breathing, or asthma symptoms that become worse.
Call 999 or go to A&E if any of the following apply:
- You get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
- You’re wheezing
- You get tightness in the chest or throat
- You have trouble breathing or talking
- Your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling.
Side effects such as these are indicative of a serious allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment in hospital.
For a full list of possible side effects of ibuprofen, the leaflet inside the packet will detail them all.
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