Feeling pain causes a deterioration in the life of the individual, which drives him to search for the fastest and strongest housing for the pain he feels, but he quickly collides with his lack of knowledge of the most appropriate residence for his condition, so how can a person choose the appropriate pain reliever, and what does he do if the pain continues?
Experts say that the choice is limited to only two categories of analgesics that are spent without the need for a prescription: Paracetamol (Which is also known as acetaminophen) and Nunsteroidal anti-reflamation drugs.
Dr. Mary Lin McFireson, a professor at the University of Maryland University in the United States, told the American New York Times that both of them treat pain in their own way. She added that the different types of pain do not respond evenly to both medicines.
How do pain relievers work?
Dr. Catherine Bibersak, Director of the Pain relief center at the University of Washington University in the United States, reported that non -steroidal anti -inflammatory, which includes ibuprofen, naproxen, and Asbrin, helps relieve pain by reaching inflammation sites throughout the body.
These drugs reduce or inhibit two enzymes (called “COX-1” (COX-1) and “COX-2” (COX-2)).
As for paracetamol, it is sent to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, but what he does from there remains somewhat mysterious. “We are not completely sure how this medicine works,” said Dr. Mary.
Dr. Catherine added that one of the theories is that it also reduces some COX enzymes. But Dr. Mary added that paracetamol does not target inflammation, such as non -steroidal anti -inflammatory.
How do I choose?
Paracetamol and non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs can reduce different types of pain. But each of them has positives and negatives. Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs are the best in the treatment of pain associated with inflammation that occurs anywhere in the body, whether it is topical in one area (as in migraines, dental pain, muscle fatigue, or wounds) or spread throughout the body (as in arthritis pain).
Dr. Catherine said: “If you suffer from redness, heat, swelling, or if it is an acute injury, then there will be some inflammation, and your pain is a good candidate for non -steroidal anti -inflammatory.”
Dr. F. said. Michael Viraneti, Director of the University of California Pain Management Center, Los Angeles in the United States: “All non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs work similarly, so choose the most effective type for you.”
Each type of non -steroidal anti -inflammatory is characterized by a feature that makes it better for a specific condition. For example, namaroxin tends to relieve pain for a longer period of other non -steroidal anti -inflammatory (about 12 hours). On the other hand, ibuprofen works for 4 to 6 hours.
Dr. Catherine reported that paracetamol is the most effective in treating mild pain that is not caused by inflammation. She added that it can help treat light arthritis pain or stress headache, for example, or body pain associated with colds. She explained that it is less useful in treating migraines or menstrual pain.
Unlike non -steroidal anti -inflammatory, paracetamol does not treat symptoms of inflammation such as swelling or redness, as Dr. Mary explained, which may cause the body’s delay. Dr. Viraneti added that both types of medications can help reduce temperature.
Use it safely
Unless your doctor recommends otherwise, it is preferable to follow the trends of the product, according to Dr. Viraneti. He explained that the daily dose for adults usually does not exceed 3 thousand milligrams of paracetamol, up to 1,200 milligrams per day for ibuprofen, 660 milligrams for naproxine, and 4 thousand milligrams for aspirin.
Paracetamol and non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs can be taken together, either at the same time or alternately throughout the day. Dr. Catherine explained that this allows you to take advantage of both mechanisms, due to the different mechanism of work for each of them to relieve pain, especially if the results are not to use one of them alone. But avoid doing this with specific categories of non -steroidal anti -inflammatory (such as ibuprofen mixing with naproxen).
Dr. Viraneti said that excessive consumption in large quantities or for long periods increases the risk of developing chronic esophagus, nausea, ulcers, or kidney problems. Dr. Mary added that it also increases the risk of heart attacks, andStrokeAndHigh blood pressure.
Dr. Mary said that some people -such as pregnant or lactating women, or those who take blood malls, or those who have a history of high blood pressure, must or Kidney disease Or the liver or heart- avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (or at least consult a doctor first).
Dr. Catherine indicated that paracetamol causes lower side effects. The simple side effects may include RashRinn, or constipation. But Dr. Mary said that paracetamol can be toxic to the liver when taking it in high doses, so the patient should avoid it if he has a history of liver.
In the event that the need to use these medications continues for more than a few days, you should consult a doctor who may prescribe stronger prescription medications or other pain relievers. The doctor or pharmacist can help choose the appropriate pain reliever if the patient is confused about his matter.