Dengue dread: Why popping painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen can flip deadly for you
Delhi authorities’s Department of Drugs Control has requested the pharmacists within the metropolis to not promote nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) medication like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen with out physician’s prescription. In the letter to chemist associations within the metropolis, KR Chawla, Head of the medication management authority, mentioned there’s a risk of vector-borne ailments to witness a spike within the coming weeks because of monsoon showers and the latest flooding. Painkillers, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) can forestall blood platelets from forming blood clots which may trigger inside bleeding and might be lethal for individuals affected by vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya. (Also learn: Dengue alert: Early signs of the deadly disease you shouldn’t ignore amid rise in cases)
“Taking painkillers, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can potentially be dangerous for individuals infected with vector-borne illnesses like dengue. The reason for this is related to the way these drugs affect blood clotting and platelet function,” says Dr G Sneha Consultant Internal Medicine CARE Hospitals Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
What is dengue?
“Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness that is found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The symptoms of dengue can vary from mild to severe, and they can include fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and rash. In some cases, dengue can progress to a more severe form called dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can cause internal bleeding and death. There is no specific treatment for dengue, but supportive care can help to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. If you think you may have dengue, it is important to see a doctor right away,” says Dr. Aditya Chowti, Senior Consultant- Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru.
How NSAIDs intervene with blood clotting
“Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, and it can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, and in severe cases, it may lead to a condition called dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). DHF and DSS are characterized by severe bleeding, low platelet count, and plasma leakage, which can be life-threatening. When someone takes NSAIDs, they can interfere with the normal blood clotting process by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). This inhibition can lead to decreased platelet aggregation, making it difficult for the body to form blood clots, which are essential to stop bleeding,” provides Dr G Sneha.
“In dengue infection, the virus itself affects the platelets, leading to a reduction in their number and functionality. This combined with the platelet-inhibiting effect of NSAIDs can worsen the bleeding tendency in dengue patients and increase the risk of severe complications. It may lead to prolonged bleeding, internal bleeding, or haemorrhage in critical organs, further complicating the patient’s condition and possibly leading to fatal outcomes,” provides the professional.
NSAIDs may cause renal harm
“NSAIDs can also harm the stomach lining and cause gastrointestinal discomfort. This might cause serious gastrointestinal bleeding and worsen the patient’s health when he/she has dengue. Dengue fever also led to dehydration. Painkillers are frequently used by patients to lower fevers and treat symptoms. However, when taken while dehydrated, some medications, like ibuprofen, can cause renal damage. This combination can result in renal problems and potentially lethal effects because dengue already affects the kidneys, says Dr RR Dutta, HOD – Internal Medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram.
“The use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication) or generally referred as ache killers is a quite common apply to deal with such signs. NSAIDS like ibuprofen, aspirin and so forth cut back ache, for fever by lowering the synthesis of gear (prostaglandins) chargeable for fever or ache. But few of those substances are additionally chargeable for platelet synthesis (thromboxane). The manufacturing of those substances can also be affected. Illnesses like dengue are related to various diploma of lower in platelet depend. Use of NSAIDS both contribute to the additional decreasing of platelet or hamper the restoration of platelet depend. This will increase the chance of bleeding, which at instances, could also be deadly in case of severely low platelet depend. Furthermore, NSAIDS like aspirin, acetaminophen and so forth are poisonous to liver in excessive doses. Mild liver dysfunction (transaminitis) is one other generally famous lab abnormality throughout diseases like dengue. Use of aspirin, acetaminophen and so forth throughout such diseases are related to worsening of liver dysfunction and improvement of deadly sickness i.e., encephalopathy (Reye syndrome) hardly ever, significantly in paediatric sufferers. Therefore, we must be cautious and all the time seek the advice of medical doctors earlier than use of any such NSAIDS,” says Dr Rohit Garg, Consultant, Dept of Infectious Disease, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
“Due to those dangers, it is strongly recommended that people suspected or confirmed to have dengue ought to keep away from taking NSAIDs and as an alternative use acetaminophen (paracetamol) for ache and fever aid, because it doesn’t have the identical anti-platelet results. However, even with acetaminophen, it’s important to observe the right dosage tips and seek the advice of a healthcare skilled for those who suspect you may have dengue or another severe sickness. Early analysis and acceptable medical care are essential for managing vector-borne diseases like dengue and decreasing the chance of extreme problems,” says Dr G Sneha.