Photo: dino lin

Can ibuprofen shut down kidneys?

southampton.ac.uk - painkillers still prescribed patients risk kidney damage

What is the highest vegetable for magnesium?

Leafy greens. Leafy greens are highly nutritious and many types are loaded with magnesium. Leafy greens with significant amounts of magnesium...

Last updated Mar 9, 2019

Should you go to sleep with wet hair?

Though sleeping with wet hair won't give you a cold, Dr. Shah says that it does increase your risk of developing a fungal infection of the scalp....

Last updated Jan 10, 2018

Promotion

Southampton-led study shows need for painkiller caution to prevent kidney damage

Taking too much ibuprofen or similar painkillers can damage kidneys, but a recent study has revealed some people at high risk are still being prescribed them. Research has found that prescriptions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduced over the two years before the pandemic. However, they were still being given to some people at high risk of kidney damage. The study was led by Dr Simon Fraser, Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Southampton.

Avoiding kidney damage

NSAIDs are commonly prescribed to treat pain and inflammation. However, they can cause serious complications such as acute kidney injury (AKI). This is where a person’s kidneys suddenly stop working properly. It can range from minor loss of kidney function to complete kidney failure. Without quick treatment, abnormal levels of salts and chemicals can build up in the body. This affects the other organs’ ability to work properly. If the kidneys shut down completely, the person may need dialysis or a kidney transplant. It can be fatal.

Prescriptions in those at higher risk

The researchers analysed data on 702,265 adults from a large primary care database in Hampshire to investigate NSAID prescriptions over two years. Their results, published in BJGP Open, suggested a general decrease in NSAID prescriptions. This included in those at higher risk of developing AKI. However, it revealed that some people at higher risk of developing AKI were still being prescribed NSAIDs. These included older patients and those with long-term conditions like chronic kidney disease and diabetes. Dr Fraser said: “This study shows concerning signs that NSAIDs are still being prescribed to some people at high risk of kidney damage. Most prescribers are well aware of the risks of NSAIDs, particularly of inflammation and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, but our study reveals a need for greater attention to this AKI risk. GPs, nurse prescribers and pharmacists need to be aware and consider stopping (or not prescribing) NSAIDs in high-risk patients.” The research included partners from University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, NHS England (NHS Rightcare), University of Portsmouth, University of Southampton, University of Brighton, Academic Health Sciences Network (AHSN) Wessex and Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia. It was funded by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Wessex.

Can dehydration cause weight gain?

Chronic dehydration can lead to a loss in these functions which can result in poor digestion, constipation, lethargy, headaches and migraines, dry...

Last updated Mar 12, 2018

Does prostatitis show up in blood test?

Blood test: A blood test measures PSA, a protein made by the prostate gland. High levels may indicate prostatitis, BPH or prostate cancer. Jan 7, 2021

Last updated May 11, 2021

Promotion

How do you know if your back pain is from kidney pain?

It can be hard to distinguish between kidney pain and back pain. Back pain is more common than kidney pain. In general, back pain will be related to your muscles, occurs lower in your back, and causes a consistent ache. If it's kidney pain, it'll likely be higher, near your ribs.

healthline.com - Kidney Pain vs. Back Pain: Location, Symptoms, and More - Healthline

Kidney pain is most often caused by a kidney infection or a stone in the tubes coming out of your kidney. If the pain is coming from your kidney, it will have these features:

Where the pain is located

Kidney pain is felt in your flank, which is the area on either side of your spine between the bottom of your ribcage and your hips. It usually occurs in one side of your body, but it can occur in both sides.

Type of pain

Kidney pain is usually sharp if you have a kidney stone and a dull ache if you have an infection. Most often it will be constant. It won’t get worse with movement or go away by itself without treatment. If you’re passing a kidney stone, the pain may fluctuate as the stone moves.

Radiation of the pain

Sometimes the pain spreads (radiates) to your inner thigh or lower abdomen.

Severity of the pain

Kidney pain is classified according to how bad it is — severe or mild. A kidney stone usually causes severe pain, and the pain from an infection is usually mild.

Things that make it better or worse

Typically, nothing makes the pain better until the problem is corrected, such as by passing the stone. Unlike back pain, it usually won’t change with movement.

Accompanying symptoms

If you have a kidney infection or a kidney stone, you may also experience:

What happens if your prostate is swollen?

Overview. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — also called prostate gland enlargement — is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged...

Last updated May 24, 2021

Does walking reduce DHT?

One way that people can balance the amount of DHT in their body is to exercise. Moderate exercise three to five times per week helps regulate...

Last updated Nov 7, 2018

Promotion

How can I reduce the size of my enlarged prostate?

The options include: Alpha blockers. These medications relax bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate, making urination easier. ......

Last updated Nov 21, 2020

Promotion

Does milk really hydrate better than water?

Yes, Milk Is Hydrating, According to Research The findings indicated that both skim milk and whole milk are more hydrating than plain water, since...

Last updated May 21, 2020