Chandigarh News/Incessant use of pain killers, drugs may lead to ulcer, expert

Chandigarh, November 25, 2013: As many as 100 senior citizens from Mata Mansa Devi Resident Welfare Association, Panchkula took part in a workshop on ‘Digestive problems of the elderly’ held at Max Super Speciality Hospital (MSSH), Mohali today.  
Speaking during occasion, Dr Nikhil Nadkarni, Senior Consultant, Department of Gastroenterology at MSSH Mohali, said that incessant use of pain killers and drugs by elderly population were leading to ulcer disease. The worldwide nearly 40% of older adults have one or more age-related digestive symptoms. When co-existent chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes mellitus, heart problems, hypothyroidism and depression in the older age group were coupled with incessant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and anti depressants, it led to Gastro Intestinal dysfunction, asserted Dr Nadkarni.
He further said, while NSAIDS were the most commonly used drugs in the elderly population for treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders, they were even used as pain killers in a wide variety of clinical scenarios. These would often react with the already weak immune system of older people. Studies have shown that as many as 25% of chronic NSAIDS users would develop ulcer disease and 2–4% to develop bleeding or perforation.”
The normal aging was associated with significant changes in the function of most organs and tissues and the gastrointestinal tract was no exception, maintained Dr Nadkarni. The problems with digestion could occur at any age. Just like any other health problem, prevention was the best medicine when it came to smooth functioning of your digestive system. One should use these painkillers cautiously, he remarked.
One must consult the doctor to find the lowest effective dose, and be sure to take them with food. Try to understand from your doctor if any of your current medications could be causing any digestive symptoms. Also make sure you were taking only the medications you need and not just popping pills for every health issue, advised Dr Nadkarni.
Emphasising on the importance of regular screening, Dr Nadkarni said that regular screenings like colonoscopy should be done after the age of 50 years or with the onset of constipation. One should not hesitate to take doctor's appointment if any of the following digestive symptoms like loss of appetite, loss of weight, lump in the abdomen, jaundice, constipation, diarrhoea, difficulty in swallowing, recurrent vomiting and blood in stools surfaced . While many digestive symptoms could be remedied through lifestyle changes, some required intensive medical treatment, he said.
Dr Ashutosh Sood, GM Operationsat MSSH, Mohali said that through our various camps, seminars and health talks, we have always educated people about the common lifestyle disorders which result in serious health concerns in the later stages.  Through this workshop, we aimed to educate the members about the significance of healthy eating habits and controlled consumption of medicines, he stated.