Anti-inflammatories

Anti-Inflammatories - Update

Anti-inflammatories, as their name implies, are useful where inflammation exists. In acute injuries, however, simple analgesia and control of bleeding are the priorities.

Though they have a role to play in sport we have concerns regarding many aspects of their use:

• Anti-inflammatories increase the tendency to bleed.
• They may not be suitable in some asthmatics.
• Anti-inflammatories are potentially toxic medications particularly in the context of gastrointestinal inflammation.
• Long term use has also been associated with cardiac issues and kidneys disease. Associated dehydration and alcohol use may potentate the side effects.

We would therefore make the following suggestions:

• They should be only be prescribed and given to the player by a doctor with clear guidelines as regards the fact that they should be taken with food and that they have potential serious side effects.
• Anti-inflammatories should not be used in the first 48 hours after an acute injury because they may worsen bleeding.
• They should not be used as first line pain killers. Simpler, cheaper and less potentially toxic alternative painkillers should be used first line.
• The reality of players having supplies of anti-inflammatories and using them on a regular basis without precise supervision is potentially dangerous.