it can “wear away” the lining of your stomach

At the start of the year, seasonal viruses such as gastro, bronchitis and the flu are experiencing a strong resurgence. According to the latest report from Public Health France on acute respiratory infections, cases of influenza are currently reaching a “exceptionally high level of intensity in the hospital” in France and could affect several thousand people.

While some favor natural solutions like “anti-flu” soups or other home remedies, many turn to medications to soothe symptoms such as body aches, fever or headaches. However, Dr. Austin Chiang, a gastroenterologist at the Jefferson Health Clinic in Philadelphia, cautions against prolonged use of these treatments. Indeed, some of them can have harmful effects on the stomach lining, particularly when consumed excessively.

Taking this medicine may “wear down” the lining of your stomach

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin are among the most commonly used medications to relieve pain or reduce fever. Although they are available without a prescription, their excessive use can “wear down” the protective barrier of the stomach. As the expert points out “One thing I will never do, because of what I have learned in my specialty, is take an anti-inflammatory painkiller 7 days a week, indefinitely, because it really wears down the protective lining of your stomach.”

Indeed, these medications act by blocking enzymes involved in inflammation, but these enzymes also play a role in the natural protection of the gastric mucosa. Regular intake can thus cause lesions, notably ulcers. “NSAIDs can cause ulcers“, insists the specialist. This disease forms when the protective barrier of the stomach is weakened, allowing stomach acids to damage the wall.

What doses should be respected?

To minimize risks, it is essential to respect certain usage recommendations. According to the expert, it should not exceed three consecutive days to treat a fever, nor five days for acute pain. “When taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the minimum dose and the shortest duration should be preferred.“, he emphasizes. If symptoms persist beyond these times, medical consultation is strongly recommended to prevent serious complications.

The National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) also recalls that the adverse effects of NSAIDs are amplified in elderly or fragile populations. “People don’t realize that these over-the-counter medications can have such effects, especially in people over 60, when they continue to take them without stopping..” These medications can not only cause ulcers, but also intestinal perforations.

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