Kidney damage due to painkillers: Doctor reveals what you don't know (and what you need to know)

With the rise of a demanding work culture and hectic schedules, headaches and body aches have become the most common symptoms, especially among young people. These pains are often considered normal and can be alleviated by taking painkillers, which provide instant relief. But behind the temporary comfort of these painkillers, there lies a big concern of harm to one of the body’s most vital organs, the kidneys. These bean-shaped organs work effortlessly day and night to filter out waste and promote fluid balance, but some painkillers can damage them when taken with regularity or long-term. Awareness of this connection is important to avoid harm that too often goes undetected until it's too late.

How painkillers affect the kidneys

Painkillers block enzymes that help in maintaining proper blood supply to the kidneys, which trigger inflammation to relieve pain.





Long-term use of painkillers can lead to kidney blockages and increase the risk of kidney failure.

People suffering from diabetes, heart disease or kidney problems who are especially more sensitive to this form of kidney injury.

Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore

If you regularly rely on painkillers, the body will give you signals like:

• Fatigue and weakness: A Feeling of tiredness or unsteadiness that should not be ignored
• Lesser or foamy urination: A decreased amount of urine or the presence of foam in urine can be an early sign of protein leakage, which indicates kidney strain
• Swelling: Kidneys failing to maintain fluid balance lead to excess water being trapped in different parts of the body, which leads to puffiness
• Nausea: Symptoms like vomiting, sensations, or unpleasant taste of the mouth are common when waste products accumulate in the bloodstream
• Shortness of breath: In advanced cases, fluid buildup in the lungs or electrolyte imbalance may happen and can cause breathlessness

Painkillers can be very efficient for human beings if used wisely, but can become a silent enemy if misused. In case of any suspicion of kidney injury, it is necessary to have an appropriate treatment. Several kidney function tests, along with hydration therapy, blood pressure control, and proper medications, are some of the treatments that help one recover better. In extreme situations such as kidney failure, a kidney transplant may be necessary to bring the functioning of the kidney back to normal. Pain relief must never come at the cost of overall health. Always use medications responsibly and consult a doctor before prolonged or frequent use.

Dr. Sandeep Kumar Consultant - General Surgery & Renal Transplant Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Patiala