From popular anesthetics you can deafen
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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It is safe to say that the most popular drugs in the world are painkillers. When we have a headache, stomach or back, we take analgesics. However, getting rid of pain can pay too high a price - to lose hearing.
This is stated by the staff of the Boston Women's Hospital Brigham.
According to doctors, women who take ibuprofen and acetaminophen (paracetamol) twice a week or more, have an increased risk of hearing loss. The more often women took drugs, the higher the probability of deafness.
The researchers studied the relationship between the frequency of taking these drugs and the risk of deafness.
Under the supervision of experts were 60 thousand women aged 31-48 years. For the state of their health, doctors were observed for 14 years, from 1995 to 2009.
During this period, 10012 women expressed complaints about a worsened hearing. In women who resorted to taking pain medication 2-3 times a week, the risk of hearing loss increased by 13% compared with those who used the medication less often than once a week. Those who drank analgesics 4-5 times a week, the threat increased to 21%. Women who used drugs more often exposed themselves to even greater risks.
"Such results are due to the fact that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs disrupt the blood supply to the cochlea of the inner ear," says Sharon Kuran, co-author of the study. Acetaminophen destroys the factors that protect it from damage. Despite the fact that analgesics are sold in pharmacies without a prescription and are widely available, they have potential side effects. If people suffering from pain syndromes need regular methods of such medications, then before starting self-treatment, it is necessary to consult with the attending physician. If possible, it is better to look for other ways and means to relieve the pain. "
Experts drew attention to the fact that the connection between the loss of hearing and the taking of pain medication was most evident in women under the age of 50 years. In the US, by the age of 60, hearing problems have been observed in 2/3 of American women.
According to the World Health Organization, in adulthood, hearing loss is the sixth most common disease in developed countries.
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