Anti-inflammatory (patient information)

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Anti-inflammatory refers to the property of a substance or treatment that reduces inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs make up one half of analgesics, remedying pain by reducing inflammation as opposed to opioids which affect the brain.

Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs[edit | edit source]

Many steroids, specifically glucocorticoids, reduce inflammation by binding to cortisol receptors. These drugs are often referred to as corticosteroids, though that is a larger category.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs[edit | edit source]

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alleviate pain by counteracting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. On its own COX enzyme synthesizes prostaglandins, creating inflammation. In whole the NSAIDs prevent the prostaglandins from ever being synthesized, reducing or eliminating the pain.

In addition to medical drugs, many herbs have anti-inflammatory qualities, including hyssop, ginger, Turmeric, Arnica montana which contains helenalin, a sesquiterpene lactone, and willow bark, which contains salicylic acid, a substance related to the active ingredient in aspirin.

On the other hand, there are analgesics like paracetamol, called acetaminophen in the U.S. and sold under the brand name of Tylenol, which are commonly associated with anti-inflammatory drugs but which have no anti-inflammatory effects.

Some are concerned about the long term usage of NSAIDs as they cause gastric erosions which can become stomach ulcers and in extreme cases result in death. The risk of death as a result of use of NSAIDs is 1 in 10,000 for young adults aged 16-45. The risk increases tenfold for those over 75.

Ice treatment[edit | edit source]

Applying ice to a tissue injury has an anti-inflammatory effect and is often suggested as an injury treatment and pain management technique for athletes. Practitioners of Chinese medicine, on the other hand, contend that ice is only useful for 24hours or so after acute trauma. After which time ice becomes counterproductive to healing, as cold inhibits local blood circulation.

Anti-inflammatory Foods[edit | edit source]

Due to concerns over the gastric problems caused by NSAIDs researchers are turning to more natural solutions to dealing with the problem of inflammation. One ingredient with a great future potential is capsaicin, a naturally occurring ingredient in chili peppers. Studies have shown some success in the control of pain and inflammation when capsaicin is applied topically.

Others advocate the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods as a means of controlling inflammation. Anti-inflammatory foods include most colorful fruits and vegetables, oily fish and certain nuts, seeds, herbs and spices such as ginger. Those following an anti-inflammatory diet will avoid refined oils and sugars, and show a preference for anti-inflammatory foods in their meal choices.^[1] Tobacco may have some anti-inflammatory effects, see Smoker’s Paradox. In some conditions, dietary omega-3 fatty acids lower inflammation, see Essential fatty acid interactions.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

• Health advice regarding NSAIDs
• NSAIDs and adverse effects
• Topical capsaicin for pain relief

Acknowledgements[edit | edit source]

The content on this page was first contributed by: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.

Initial content for this page in some instances came from Wikipedia

List of contributors:

Suggested Reading and Key General References[edit | edit source]

Suggested Links and Web Resources[edit | edit source]

For Patients[edit | edit source]