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In our daily lives, medication is a common health management tool. But many people may not know that some commonly used medications that seem safe, such as those used to treat excess stomach acid, may actually increase the risk of fractures.
Association of drugs used to treat hyperacidity with fracture risk
Gastric acid suppressants, particularly proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), are commonly used to treat hyperacidity and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Studies have found that long-term use of PPIs may affect calcium absorption in the body.
Calcium is a key mineral for maintaining bone health, and a lack of calcium absorption can directly affect bone density, which in turn increases the risk of fractures. Patients who have been using PPIs continuously for more than a year have a higher risk of hip, wrist, and spine fractures than the general population.
For patients who need to take PPIs for a long time, doctors usually recommend additional calcium supplementation and regular bone density checks to prevent osteoporosis.
The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with stomach upset
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, are commonly used pain and anti-inflammatory drugs. While they are effective in relieving pain and inflammation, they also have their side effects, especially those on the stomach.
NSAIDs can reduce the ability of the gastric lining to produce protective mucus, making the stomach lining susceptible to strong acids, which can cause stomach pain, stomach ulcers, and even bleeding. For people who need to take NSAIDs regularly, doctors usually recommend a combination of gastric mucosal protectors, such as omeprazole, to reduce stomach upset.
How to use pain relievers safely to reduce stomach upset
When it comes to using pain medications, rational drug use is critical. For example, for patients who need to take NSAIDs for a long time, in addition to the gastric mucosal protection measures described above, they should also follow the doctor's instructions, such as appropriate dose adjustment and timing.
It is generally recommended to take these medications after meals because food can help relieve the direct irritation of the stomach lining by the medication. Avoid taking painkillers on an empty stomach, especially in the morning, when stomach acid concentrations are higher and the gastric mucosa is more likely to be damaged.
The importance of diet-drug interactions
Diet management also plays a non-negligible role in the use of medications. Some food-drug interactions may affect the effectiveness of the drug and even trigger adverse reactions.
Foods high in calcium, such as milk and dairy products, may affect the absorption of some antibiotics such as tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones, thereby reducing their therapeutic effectiveness.
Foods containing vitamin K, such as green leafy vegetables, need special attention when using the anticoagulant drug warfarin, as vitamin K can promote blood clotting, which can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice, on the other hand, have been extensively studied and proven to interact with a variety of medications, such as lowering or enhancing blood levels of certain heart medications, due to their enzyme systems that affect drug metabolism. In the daily diet, it is very necessary to be aware of these possible food interactions with medications to avoid potential health risks.
Case Study: Wang's Water Poisoning Incident
Wang's example is a cautionary tale about water poisoning. Wang was affected by the drinking water weight loss method shared by a celebrity on the Internet, and began to drink a lot of water every day.
Without proper guidance and monitoring, Wang soon developed symptoms such as general fatigue, headache, nausea and palpitation due to excessive water intake, and was finally diagnosed with "water poisoning", which is caused by the dilution of electrolytes in the body and the increase in pressure inside the cells. This case highlights that even seemingly harmless water can cause serious health problems if not ingested properly.
It is crucial to have a proper understanding of daily water requirements and their limits, especially when undertaking any form of health or weight loss program.
Popular science: common misconceptions in drug use
Medication is an important part of modern medicine, but there are many misconceptions about drug use in daily life. For example, some people believe that a drug can immediately eliminate its effects once it is stopped, but in fact, many drugs, especially those with a longer half-life, may have their effects lasting longer in the body.
A common misconception about antibiotic therapy is that it can be discontinued after symptoms have resolved. This practice can lead to incomplete eradication of germs, increasing the risk of resistance.
The correct course of action should be to follow the doctor's instructions and complete the entire course of treatment as prescribed, even if the symptoms have disappeared. Self-purchase and use of over-the-counter medications, especially through online channels, often lacks proper medical guidance and can lead to inappropriate use or side effects. Educating people about drugs and understanding the proper way to use them is an important step in protecting your health.
Through these detailed explanations and examples, we hope to enhance the public's understanding of the safety of drug use and promote more scientific health management.
Finally, do you have any experiences and opinions that you would like to share?