The horrifying ibuprofen side effect you can’t ignore: DR MARTIN SCURR reveals what taking the popular painkiller regularly really does to you
Is it possible for many ibuprofes that I have received for more than a year (maximum doses) to me to be quite deaf?
Ann Burgess, East Sussex.
Dr Martin Scurr Answers: I’m afraid to say it might be right. In fact, Ibuprofen’s regular consumption-non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) between a kind of drug and hearing loss was first detected in the Health Study of Nurses in 2012.
In fact, a series of large, ongoing projects, which investigate how lifestyle factors affect women’s health, revealed that Ibuprofen’s receiving more twice a week is linked to a 10 percent higher risk of sensorinal deafness.
This is a kind of hearing loss that affects delicate hair cells, which is the spiral -shaped structure, which is very important for hearing in the inner ear.
Chronic exposure to infection, trauma and high noise may damage hair cells. The mechanism with Ibuprofen is not clear, but a theory is that the drug disrupts blood flow to cochle – it needs a fixed blood source to make the inner ear properly function, and the so -called prostaglandins are the key to maintain the flow of blood flow. And NSAIDs prevent prostaglandins.
When the hair cells are damaged, this – they cannot be repaired.
Ibuprofen is now classified as autotoxic (ear damaged) effects. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and sports injuries caused by other NSAIDs – indomethacin, naproxen, pyroxicam and selekoxib – are associated with non -irritable hearing damage.
Ibuprofen is a type of drug known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID). To take twice a week, in an important study in 2012, the risk of sensorineal deafness was dependent on a level of 10 percent higher (picture created by the model)
However, aspirin, another NSAID type, did not at least have this effect on women.
This should not constantly use a long -term NSAID long -term situation to the situation you need regular painkillers. It is better to try to follow short courses, maybe one or two weeks, not months.
I have been a 82 -year -old man who has no other health problems other than Discitis for the last six months. I have been experiencing antibiotic infusion for about seven weeks. This has stopped now and the back pain continues. Will I see the end of this weakening and depressing situation?
Frank Allen, Lyme Regis.
Dr Martin Scurr Answers: Dissitis is a rare but serious condition in which the disc between the two bones in the spine is chronic – as a result of the infection caused by bacteria spreading through blood circulation.
Discs are very few in the way of blood vessels that limit the immune response, so bacteria may develop. This leads to intense inflammation: Potentially infection can spread to the bone of the vertebrae on both sides and can form an abscess that affects the nerves working on the spine canal.
Dysitis typically causes staphylococcal bacteria that are naturally found in the skin. Discitis is more common in those with weak immune systems, including older people.
One of my patients was subjected to this situation a few years ago, we had to assume that Salmonella had access to his body from food. Like yourself, the patient was a man in his 80s.
Treatment contains a long high -dose antibiotic course that should be given intravenously to provide high levels of blood. Usually this continues for 12 weeks. Strict rest is important. In rare cases, surgery may be required to discharge the abscess between the vertebrae.
Permanent pain is not rare, but your spine specialist team can always direct you to pain control experts. Your symptoms should be completely settled in the coming months.
In my opinion: Insurers should not give health advice
Many people have to suppress their savings, pension funds and even family chests to buy treatment in the private sector.
They do not notice until they are too late to seduce by smart marketing and apply strict rules that regulate any claims of insurance companies.
What makes me deeply worried about me is that the general practice is not addressed. Instead, these insurance companies guide themselves to their customers called ‘health journey’.
However, patients need to be careful: the only professional GPS who has the right to guide patients through ‘health journey’. Insurance companies have only one motive, the urge to increase the profit, which means that customers get the cheapest option.
This is not necessarily the best or most appropriate. Most importantly, the insurer does not know the patient, their past, their psychology, so how can they choose the best treatment options?
Therefore, consider the recommendations given by the insurance company with great care, including the recommended expert. If you have doubt, your GP is the best guide for both experts and treatment.
