How do Nsaid pain relievers cause ulcers?
Nsaids, which include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, foster formation of sores in the digestive tract — particularly the stomach — in two ways. The damage predominantly occurs through the bloodstream; once absorbed, the drugs inhibit the production of hormonelike substances called prostaglandins that normally protect the stomach lining, so it is left vulnerable to erosion from acid. Nsaids may also cause topical damage: if a pill sits on the mucous layer of the stomach for hours, it can cause a direct chemical burn that eats away at the gastrointestinal lining, which is partly why patients are advised to take their pills with food or liquids. • How much of an Nsaid is too much when it comes to the risk of getting an ulcer? Nsaids raise the odds of developing an ulcer even when lower-dose over-the-counter forms are used. For example, low-dose aspirin doubles to quadruples the normal risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcer problems. The more you take, the greater the hazard. And yo
