In my career as a doctor, I have witnessed countless patients suffering from problems caused by the inappropriate use of certain medications for long periods of time. These cases often remind me that as healthcare workers, we have a responsibility to guide patients in the proper use of medications to avoid potential health risks. Let me share a case that I often recall. A few years ago, a middle-aged male patient came to my clinic with persistent stomach pain. He told me that he had been self-medicating nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for more than a year to manage this discomfort. At first glance, this may seem like nothing wrong with this, as many people consider over-the-counter drugs to be relatively safe. However, through detailed questioning and necessary examinations, I found out that his stomach pain was actually due to the erosion of the gastric mucosa caused by long-term use of NSAIDs. The patient was unaware of this, and his immune system was affected.
Misuse of antibiotics
The main uses and mechanism of action of antibiotics
Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Their mechanism of action is to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, thus helping the body to regain health. However, antibiotics are not effective against viral illnesses such as the common cold or flu. Effects of Antibiotics on the Immune System Long-term or frequent use of antibiotics can disrupt the balance of normal microflora in the gut, which is an important part of our immune system. Once the intestinal flora is damaged, our body is more susceptible to other diseases, and immunity will also decrease. For example, I once met a patient who bought antibiotics on his own because he often had colds. Initially, he thought it would make a quick recovery, but it didn't take long for him to start experiencing frequent intestinal problems such as diarrhea and indigestion. After examination, it was found that his intestinal flora was severely imbalanced and required a long period of conditioning and specific probiotic treatment to recover. This example is not an isolated phenomenon, but one of the common consequences that can result from long-term misuse of antibiotics. As a doctor, I strongly recommend that before using any antibiotics, it is always evaluated and instructed by a medical professional. This not only avoids unnecessary health risks, but also ensures the effectiveness of antibiotics and avoids the development of drug-resistant bacteria, which is currently a major global public health challenge.
Risk of long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
First, NSAIDs work by reducing the production of prostaglandins by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX enzymes) in the body. Prostaglandins are substances that cause pain and inflammation. While this sounds like an ideal way to treat inflammation and pain, prostaglandins also play a role in the protection of the gastric mucosa, kidney function, and platelet aggregation. Therefore, inhibition of prostaglandin production may cause gastrointestinal and renal problems. Gastrointestinal problems are one of the most common side effects of NSAIDs use. Since prostaglandins help protect the gastric mucosa from strong acids, a long-term lack of this protective effect can lead to gastritis and even gastric ulcers. Clinically, I have seen quite a few cases of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by long-term use of NSAIDs. This bleeding is sometimes silent, but it can get worse suddenly, with serious consequences.
Impaired kidney function is also a possible problem with long-term use of NSAIDs. The kidneys rely on prostaglandins to maintain blood flow, and inhibiting the production of prostaglandins may lead to reduced blood flow and affect kidney function. In the long term, this can lead to chronic renal insufficiency. In addition to this, NSAIDs may also cause an increase in blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease. Prostaglandins play a role in regulating vasodilation, and in the absence of regulation, blood vessels may become stiffer, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Given these risks, we must be cautious about the use of NSAIDs. If you need to use these drugs for a long time, I recommend the following: talk to your doctor regularly to monitor the effects of the medication and potential side effects. Observe and report any unusual physical changes, such as stomach upset, melena, or edema. Consider antacids or other medications that protect the stomach lining to reduce stomach side effects. If possible, explore alternative therapies, such as physical therapy or lifestyle changes, to reduce dependence on NSAIDs. In conclusion, while NSAIDs are highly effective in dealing with inflammation and pain, they are not without a cost. Rational use and vigilance against side effects are the principles that everyone who needs to take medication for a long time should follow.
Problems with long-term dependence on painkillers
First, let's understand how painkillers work. Painkillers mainly work through the central nervous system to reduce pain sensations, and acetaminophen works primarily by blocking pain signaling in the brain. When used in the short term, these drugs are effective in relieving pain, but long-term dependence can have side effects. Long-term use of acetaminophen in large quantities, especially in excess of the recommended dose, can lead to an increased burden on the liver. The liver is the main site of drug metabolism, and the breakdown products of acetaminophen can lead to hepatocyte damage in some cases, which can develop into severe liver dysfunction over time. In addition, the effects of these drugs on the immune system cannot be ignored, and overuse may suppress the body's immune response and weaken its natural resistance to disease.
I once met a middle-aged male patient who was frequently using acetaminophen due to long-term headaches. In the beginning, he found it very effective and took it almost every time he had a headache. However, after a few months, he began to experience symptoms of fatigue and loss of appetite. After examination, it was found that his liver function indicators were abnormal, which was directly related to his long-term overdose of painkillers. Therefore, for patients who need to manage their pain for a long time, I always recommend using painkillers under the guidance of a medical professional and exploring the underlying cause of the pain, seeking other possible treatment options such as physiotherapy or behavioral therapy to reduce the dependence on painkillers. Only in this way can we ensure the continuity and safety of treatment and avoid possible health risks. Remember, medications are tools that help us manage our health conditions, and we can use them wisely to maximize their effects and avoid potential harms. If you have a long-term habit of using painkillers, it is advisable to consult a doctor to evaluate your medication regimen and make adjustments if necessary.
Side effects of long-term use of antacids and gastric mucosal protectors
How antacids work and their side effects
Antacids, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists, treat conditions such as reflux esophagitis and stomach ulcers primarily by reducing the production of stomach acid. However, when stomach acid is suppressed for a long time, the body's natural digestion process and nutrient absorption function may be affected. For example, stomach acid is an important factor in breaking down protein in food, and a lack of adequate stomach acid can lead to indigestion of protein. To make matters worse, long-term suppression of stomach acid can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, as B12 absorption requires enough stomach acid to break down the proteins in food and release this essential vitamin. In addition, a decrease in stomach acid may alter the gut microbiome balance and increase the risk of intestinal infections, such as those caused by Clostridium difficile.
Use of gastric mucosal protectants and side effects
Gastric mucosal protectors such as bismuth and sucralfate may protect the gastric mucosa from erosion and reduce gastritis symptoms, but long-term use may also bring side effects. For example, some bismuth agents may cause dark stools, while long-term use of large amounts of sucralfate may lead to aluminum accumulation, affecting bone mineral density, especially in patients with renal dysfunction. A real-life case study takes the example of a middle-aged woman who had been using PPIs for a long time and started using these drugs because of recurrent stomach pain. Although she initially felt some relief, after a few months, she began to experience memory loss and fatigue, and was found to have a severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Her symptoms improved after reducing her use of PPIs and adjusting her diet and supplementation.
How to use these drugs correctly
In the face of these potential side effects, the key is to use these drugs rationally under the guidance of a doctor. For people who need long-term treatment, your doctor may recommend regular tests of bowel function and nutrient absorption, as well as appropriate drug dosages. In addition, exploring alternative therapies, such as lifestyle modification and dietary management, is also an effective way to prevent dependence on medications and reduce side effects. In conclusion, while antacids and gastric mucosal protectors are very effective in the treatment of certain gastrointestinal disorders, care must be taken with long-term use to avoid possible side effects. Rational use of medication and timely communication with medical experts are key to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of treatment.