Pain is a warning signal from the body to the brain that something is wrong in the human organism. Many forms of pain are harmless and occur several times in life for a short time, such as headaches, which usually disappear within a few hours by taking a mild painkiller.
What are pain relievers?
There are a variety of different painkillers on the drug market, which preparation is suitable for a patient depends on the type of pain. There are a variety of different painkillers on the drug market, which preparation is suitable for a patient depends on the type of pain. Light painkillers, which are mostly used for mild or moderate pain, are often available over-the-counter at pharmacies and do not require a prescription from a doctor. Despite being freely available, painkillers should generally not be used for a long period of time without a doctor’s advice to avoid unforeseen side effects.
Application, effect, and use
Analgesics are used for various diseases, as well as for the purely symptomatic treatment of pain. Some painkillers, known as analgesics, not only have an analgesic effect, but also an anti-inflammatory effect, and are therefore used for inflammatory sites in the body. Basically, there are three main types of analgesics, these include over-the-counter analgesics for mild pain, which can be taken without medical advice in case of acute symptoms. Such remedies are intended to combat mild toothache, headache or other temporary types of pain. For more severe pain, the second group of painkillers is used, these are opiates. These medications are prescribed exclusively by a physician and may only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Opiates are used for a wide variety of conditions. They can be used to relieve pain after surgical procedures, as well as to treat seriously ill people in severe pain. The third group of painkillers, anesthetic preparations are used to eliminate the sensation of pain for medical procedures. Such painkillers are used by dentists as well as in hospitals before surgical procedures.
Herbal, natural, and pharmaceutical analgesics.
Painkillers are among the most commonly prescribed drugs, the reason for this is that very many diseases are accompanied by pain that would be unbearable for the patient without medication. For the relief of pain, different painkillers are used, which means is suitable for a patient depends on several factors. On the one hand, the doctor must weigh up the costs and benefits; strong painkillers often also have strong side effects and should therefore only be used if there is no other way to relieve the patient’s pain. Allergies to individual active ingredients must also be taken into account for the individual patient; while patient A, for example, can take an analgesic without any problems, a hypersensitivity reaction is quite possible for patient B. Known and typical analgesics are:
- Acetylsalicylic acid
- Diclofenac
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
Furthermore, a distinction is made between herbal and natural painkillers and chemical painkillers from the pharmaceutical industry. Among the herbal and natural painkillers include: Willow bark, nettle, devil’s claw root, arnica flowers and mustard seeds. Essential oils for pain include oils of eucalyptus, spruce needles, pine needles and camphor.
Risks and side effects
In addition to the desired effects, every pain reliever has a number of side effects and risks that can vary in intensity. While some patients tolerate high doses of painkillers without problems, in other cases, accompanying symptoms are to be expected. Effects on the gastrointestinal system are particularly common. Nausea is observed in many patients, as is diarrhea or abdominal pain. Such side effects are usually much more harmless than the underlying complaints and should therefore be accepted. With opiates, which act directly on the pain sensation in the brain, central nervous disorders are also frequently observed as a side effect.Many patients feel tired, weak and exhausted. Side effects from pain medications usually disappear without treatment once the medication is no longer taken.
