Headaches - Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug classified as a NSAID. As the acronym suggest, Ibuprofen (and aspirin) is used to decrease inflammation. Inflammation causes tissue to expand and generates nerve signals that are interpreted by our bodies as pain. In order to ease pain, we must decrease the inflammation.
Also like aspirin, ibuprofen is used to treat a wide variety of conditions - arthritis, abdominal cramps from menstruation and many others. But, like aspirin, it can produce side effects. Blood in vomit or stools, general stomach upset even dizziness are commonly reported.
Other potential side effects include allergic reactions, leading to swelling of the throat or tongue, fluid retention and ringing in the ears. Since it works by changing blood composition, as does aspirin, anyone who has had heart surgery should avoid it.
Those with a liver or kidney disease, too, should consult a doctor before taking ibuprofen. Patients with ulcers or those taking coagulation medication should as well. Anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease should find a substitute. Nausea is fairly common and diarrhea is sometimes reported.
Ibuprofen is not suitable for pregnant women though it's generally safe during early stages. It is particularly risky in the last trimester, as it may produce birth defects. The compound in ibuprofen can be passed through the blood stream into the fetus. Consulting a physician is a wise precaution.
All these side effects can be minimized by proper dosage and consumption. If taken in liquid form, use a carefully calibrated measuring spoon or small cup, rather than a teaspoon. Alcohol shouldn't be consumed with or just before hand, and the ibuprofen should be taken with a glass of milk or water.
In general, it shouldn't be combined with other over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin or naproxen. The list of other drugs that can interact unfavorably is, not surprisingly, very long. Some of the more common ones are steroids (prednisone, for example), lithium (such as Lithobid) and diuretics.
On the upside, ibuprofen has been shown to be very effective in treating a wide variety of headaches. Some, such as those produced by high altitudes (a condition called AMS - acute mountain sickness) respond very well to ibuprofen. That's good news for climbers and those who travel in planes frequently.
There has been a lot of research conducted on whether aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen works better in alleviating pain. The answer is different depending on the person. The most important thing to remember is that you should use what works best for you and what causes the fewest side effects.
Though acetaminophens don't reduce those inflammation hormones, it does, paradoxically, inhibit the COX enzymes used to produce them.
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They sit on receptors where the natural biochemical would be found, but have behavior just different enough to alleviate the condition. These biochemicals come into play during inflammation, such as occurs during injury. In fact, for such a simple compound, aspirin is a near wonder drug given how many medical conditions it can safely treat.
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