2. NSAID Usage: The Double-Edged Sword
Pain relief is such a universal need that it’s easy to overlook the downside. That’s especially true for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, better known as NSAIDs. Many reach for this medicine cabinet staple without thinking twice, but caution is in order. NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, are a significant cause of stomach ulcers.
The action of NSAIDs lies in their ability to inhibit enzymes that produce prostaglandins, chemicals involved in inflammation and pain. It’s a brilliant mechanism but comes at a cost. Prostaglandins also protect the stomach lining by encouraging mucus production. You inhibit them, and you’re essentially taking away the stomach’s natural armor.
Here’s another curveball. While short-term use may not always result in an ulcer, prolonged consumption can wreak havoc. The risk is not equally spread out either; it scales with age. Older adults, especially those with a history of ulcers, are more vulnerable. It’s a demographic detail often overlooked.
A less-known fact about NSAIDs is the risk they pose in combination with other medications. Using them alongside anticoagulants or corticosteroids, for example, exacerbates the risk. It’s an interaction worth noting because many people use multiple medications, unaware of the combined risk factors that could contribute to an ulcer. (2)
