Anti-inflammatory or painkiller, what to take?

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Extract from the article: Sometimes you have a headache or a nasty fall and then go to the pharmacy looking for relief. Should you take an anti-inflammatory or a painkiller? In reality, confusion arises when these two terms are used. What is the difference between the two, an

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Sometimes you have a headache or a nasty fall and then go to the pharmacy looking for relief. Should you take an anti-inflammatory or a painkiller? In reality, confusion arises when these two terms are used. What is the difference between the two, and which is the right choice for pain relief?

Pain is an unpleasant sensation that is felt and associated with damage in the body. It is an experience that affects both our senses and our emotions.  The nerve endings (or pain sensors) in the affected area send a signal to the brain to warn it of a problem, which then triggers the sensation.  Pain can be caused by an injury or health problem, be sharp or not so sharp, and last for a short or long time.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is a response by our body's defences to stress or injury or any other factor that it sees as an 'aggressor'.   It is therefore a normal process. Nevertheless, it is accompanied by somewhat unpleasant symptoms in the affected area: heat, redness, swelling and pain. This inflammation reaction can sometimes be very intense and the symptoms very pronounced.

The pain sensors may also be overstimulated as a result of the pain sensation. The emotional state can contribute to amplify or decrease this sensation. Depending on whether one is stressed, anxious or depressed, the level of pain perception varies from one individual to another. In other words, inflammation is only one of the mechanisms that trigger pain in the body.

Painkiller or anti-inflammatory

A painkiller or analgesic will therefore refer to a drug used to treat pain regardless of its cause. Different pain mechanisms therefore involve different families of painkillers. 

An anti-inflammatory drug reduces the inflammation reaction and can therefore be very effective in relieving the symptoms mentioned above (heat, redness, swelling, pain). On the other hand, anti-inflammatory drugs can cause several side effects and interact with several medications, the most common of which are the risks of stomach irritation and even ulcers.

When to use one or the other?

When inflammation is present, for example sprains or tendonitis, or dental problems, it can be interesting to use an anti-inflammatory.  The anti-inflammatory drug can calm the inflammation and reduce the pain. However, it is always important to consult a health professional who will assess the cause of the pain and the likely mechanism by which it has developed. Only then can the best treatment be proposed.

An anti-inflammatory drug will not be very effective if inflammation is not the cause. Sometimes the mechanisms are combined. It is up to the health professional to decide which is which. All drugs have side effects and may not be appropriate depending on the patient's condition. They can be toxic above certain doses. It is therefore important to avoid taking medicines without medical advice.

Raymond DZAKPATA

Article validated by Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner-Lomé