Does ibuprofen work as an anti inflammatory?

Let’s face it, we’ve all had those days where we feel like a human piñata – sore on the inside and bruised all over. Whether you’re an athlete pushing your limits, or simply tripped over your own two feet (we won’t judge), inflammation is both frustrating and painful.

Inflammation – What is it Anyway?

Before we dive into the effectiveness of ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory, let’s break down what inflammation actually means. Inflammation is defined as a response to injury or infection in which immune cells swarm to prevent further damage.

Here are some signs of acute inflammation:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Heat (a.k.a fever)
  • Pain

Chronic inflammation has also been linked with several long-term health problems including heart disease and more. That being said, there’s no denying that managing inflammation can have numerous health benefits.

Enter: Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is part of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) because of their ability to reduce pain and inflammation without affecting steroids.

As far back as 1969, ibuprofen was widely used and considered by doctors a safe alternative with fewer side effects than traditional steroid-based medications such as corticosteroids (CSs).

How Does It Work?

Ibuprofen works by blocking COX enzymes known for producing prostaglandins, the hormone-like compounds that trigger inflammatory responses & cell signaling events that are associated with pain.

When these enzymes are inhibited using medication such as ibuprofen, prostaglandin levels decrease overtime leading to reduced symptoms of inflammation. But keep in mind this effect occurs only when taken consistently at therapeutic doses recommended by medical professionals.

Is There Anything Else We Should Know?

While ibuprofen has been used widely for decades, it’s important to remember there is a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and harm related to liver & kidney damage when medication exceeds recommended dosages.

Read the instructions clearly and discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Conclusion

Let’s just say, ibuprofen is more than just an over-the-counter pain reliever – it can provide significantly reduced inflammation that leaves you feeling back in action without the downsides of steroids or harmful chemicals that come with other anti-inflammatory medications. With its added benefits being relatively safer than traditional^1 treatments; It’s no surprise why so many have made this their go-to solution plus a highly popular item on drug stores medical shelves across the world!

So next time you feel like hitting the hottest new restaurant (or taking part in any other physically strenuous activity), make sure to stock up on some quality Ibuprofen!


  1. Traditional here referring specifically to steroid based drugs-/medications. 

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