Many of us may have taken ibuprofen, sometimes two pills at once, especially when we are struggling with menstrual cramps. Well, as good these pills may be in treating the pain, they are not recommended for your health, especially if you are someone who consumes it on a daily basis or frequently. Gastroenterologist Trisha Pasricha, MD, writes in The Washington Post about why should you avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.

What happens when you consume pain killers?

She writes that NSAIDs are great in treating short term pain. They comprise of a group of drugs that inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which serve as a variety of purposes in the body. Some of which also includes contracting the uterus during menses and regulating blood flow in our vessels.

While one to two doses every now and then is okay, following a regular dosage routine, which could range from several times a month, or twice in an hour or so could lead to health risk. NSAIDs are well known to increase intestinal permeability. This means, these painkillers could damage the lining of your gut.

A 2018 review by Ingvar Bjarnason et. al., also writes about how NSAIDs can reduce the blood flow in the tiny vessels that feeds our guts. It can also disrupt the intestinal cells forming a barrier between the outside world and your insides.

What can be done?

While people with conditions like migraines, chronic back pain or bad period cramps can find NSAIDs to be helpful. It is always advisable to have a chat with your physicians to explore NSAID alternatives.

Pasricha suggests acetaminophen.

However, if someone is in dire need of NSAID, her tip is to take the pill right at the start of your symptoms. She says that the drug can do a far better job at stopping things at the source than chasing after all prostaglandins.

Why is it a concern?

NSAIDs are available as over the counter drug, which means people do not need a prescription for it and can make medical decision about them without the guidance of a physician.

A 2018 study published in the Official Journal of the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology by David W Kaufman, et.al., found that 15% of adult ibuprofen users in the US have exceeded the maximum recommended daily dose. The study also mentions that more than a third of ibuprofen users were taking other NSAIDs, like aspirin and naproxen, while consuming ibuprofen at the same time. Out of these, 61% did not realise that they were using NSAIDs.

Pasricha talks about how it ruptures the gut wall, as she herself has rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night "far more times than" she can count "to perform an emergency endoscopy on someone who was bleeding profusely from an ulcer caused by NSAID".

Another 2009 study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology states that as many as 1 in 4 chronic NSAID users will get an ulcer and about 4% will bleed or rupture through the gut wall.

An older study from 2005 titled A quantitative analysis of NSAID-induced small bowel pathology by capsule enteroscopy, found that as 75 percent of people regularly using NSAIDs develop low-grade inflammation in their small bowels. NSAIDs can also lead to development of fatty liver disease. This happens because your gut lining becomes more permeable, more toxins and bacteria from the outside world enters your liver and leads to inflammation.

A 2011 study titled Haemoglobin decreases in NSAID users over time: an analysis of two large outcome trials, states that as many as 6% of people taking NSAIDs regularly have found their blood count dropping within a few months of starting the medicines, this suggests that this is due to the small, slow amount of bleeding in the gut overtime.

For the first time in 12,000 years, the Ethiopian Hayli Gubbi volcano has erupted. The volcanic plumes has already traveled thousands of kilometer to India and has reached altitudes between 25,000 and 45,000 feet. It has affected Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan, and several other parts of North India. As per the reports, the speed at which the plumes are travelling is at nearly 100 to 120 km/hour at altitudes above 10 km. The plumes contains volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide, and small particles of glass and rock.

Amid Delhi's continuously worsening air pollution, the question rises whether the plumes and the chemicals it contains will impact Delhi's air and the air quality.

Can The Ethiopian Volcanic Plumes Impact Delhi?

The volcanic plumes reached Delhi around 11pm, confirmed the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As per News 18, some residents noticed an unusually diffused, cloud-like haze. However, IMD Director General M Mohapatra said that any significant deterioration in Delhi's air quality is unlikely.

Mohapatra explained that the ash is circulating at high altitudes, which is well above where Delhi's pollution typically concentrates. “It is unclear whether it will impact air quality, but any significant impact is unlikely as it is at higher levels," because plume is in the "upper levels". The Director General noted that there will only be a "marginal rise in temperature" as the ash could behave like cloud cover and absorb and re-radiate heat. However, in terms of Delhi's air quality, he noted that any influence near the ground would be "marginal".

However, the volcanic plumes have impacted flight operations in and around the Indian airspace. Airlines cancelled flights, with IndiGo grounding six flights. Akasa Air said its flights to and from Jedda, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi scheduled for today and November 24 have been cancelled. KLM Royal Dutch Airplines too cancelled its Amsterdam-Delhi and return flights. IndiGo on X said, "Following the recent eruption of the #HayliGubbi volcano in #Ethiopia, ash clouds are reported to be drifting towards parts of western India. We understand that such news may cause concern, and we want to reassure you that your safety remains our highest priority".

The plumes are expected to head towards China next. It is expected to leave India by 14:00 GMT (7:30 pm local time) on Tuesday.

Can Volcanic Eruption Impact Health Of Those Who Live Near It?

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), volcanoes are geographical formations where lava, small rocks, and steam are released onto the surface of the earth.

When a volcano erupts, it can release harmful particles, including volcanic gases and ash, into the air. These volcanic gases may have an adverse impact on your health, including:

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
• Sulfur Dioxide (So2)
• Hydrogen Chloride (HCL)
• Hydrogen Sulfide (H2s)
• Radon (Rn)
• Hydrogen Fluoride (HF)
• Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)

How Each Toxic Gas Impacts Health

Carbon Dioxide

As per the USDA Food and Safety Inspection Service, CO2 is colorless, odorless, non-flammable gas that naturally occurs in the atmosphere. As the CDC mentions, it is also released when a volcanic eruption takes place. CO2 is considered to be minimally toxic by inhalation. The primary health effects caused by CO2 are the result of its behavior as a simple asphyxiant.

A simple asphyxiant is a gas which reduces or displaces the normal oxygen in breathing air.

Symptoms of mild CO2 exposure may include headache and drowsiness. At higher levels, rapid breathing, confusion, increased cardiac output, elevated blood pressure, and increased arrhythmias may occur. Breathing oxygen-depleted air caused by extreme CO2 concentrations can lead to death by suffocation.

Sulfur Dioxide

As per the National Park Service, Sulfur dioxide is a colorless, reactive air pollutant with a strong odor. This gas can be a threat to human, animal and plant health.

It can irritate the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. High concentrations of SO2 can also cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory system. This can then lead to pain when taking deep breaths, coughing, throat irritation and breathing difficulties. This gas can further affect lung function, worsen asthma attacks, and exacerbate existing heart diseases.

Hydrogen Chloride

As per the CDC, hydrogen chloride is a colorless to slightly yellow gas with a pungent odor. On exposure to air, the gas forms dense white vapors due to condensation with atmospheric moisture.

Upon inhalation, the odor could irritate and affect the lungs. While it cannot be absorbed through the skin, its direct contact could irritate the skin and cause chemical burns. The ingestion could also lead to corrosive injury to the lips, mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach.

Hydrogen Sulfide

As per the US Department of Labor, hydrogen sulfide causes a wide range of health effects, especially if you breathe it and are exposed to it for a longer duration. Its exposure to very high concentrations could also lead to death.

It is a highly flammable, explosive gas, and can cause a life-threatening situation when not handled properly. Its exposure to skin can cause "blue skin" or frostbite.

Radon

As per the US Environmental Protection Agency, radon could lead to lung cancer. It is also the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Hydrogen Fluoride

As per the CDC, it is also a colorless gas or liquid that could cause severe damage to the body. The effects could also depend on how long one is exposed to the gas. If it is breathed in, it can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. Breathing in a large amount could cause death from irregular heartbeat or from fluid buildup in the lungs. It can also cause rash and deep, slow-healing burns.

Sulfuric Acid

As per the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water run by the Australian Government, sulfuric acid is the world's largest volume industrial chemical. It is corrosive in nature and can severely burn the skin and eyes. It can also cause third-degree burns and blindness on contact. It can also irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.

Health authorities in the United Kingdom have released a fresh advisory on the use of antibiotics this winter. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reminded the public that these medicines are designed for specific types of illness and are not useful in every situation.

Antibiotics treat or prevent bacterial infections by killing the bacteria outright or limiting their ability to grow. This allows the body’s own immune defences to clear the remaining infection. What they cannot do is treat illnesses caused by viruses.

This includes common winter infections such as colds, flu, and COVID-19. In a post on X, the UKHSA said, “Antibiotics don't work for colds and flu. Pharmacists can guide you on managing your symptoms.”

Health Officials Issue Winter Antibiotics Warning

The agency also urged people to keep a few basic points in mind when using antibiotics:

• Do not use them for colds or flu
• Do not keep unfinished courses for future use
• Always take them according to instructions

Flu And Cold: Why The Warning Matters

The reminder follows the release of the UKHSA’s English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR) report, which shows that nearly 400 people in England each week are now diagnosed with infections that no longer respond well to antibiotics. These resistant infections are harder to treat and pose a greater risk of complications.

Experts believe that years of unnecessary or incorrect use of antibiotics have contributed to a decline in their effectiveness. This widespread overuse has also encouraged the rise of “superbugs”, a term used for bacteria that can withstand several commonly used antibiotics. Examples highlighted by the NHS include:

• MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
• Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
• The bacteria responsible for multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis

The NHS notes that these infections can be severe, difficult to control, and are becoming a growing cause of illness and death worldwide. The larger concern is that entirely new bacteria may emerge with resistance to every antibiotic currently available.

Cold Symptoms

A cold usually develops slowly and tends to be milder. Typical signs include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a sore throat, mild cough, slight body ache, and low fever if any. Many people also feel pressure around the sinuses and a mild headache.

Flu Symptoms

Flu sets in quickly and is generally more intense. People often experience a high fever, chills, deep muscle pain, marked fatigue, headache, dry cough, sore throat, and a sudden drop in energy. Some may also have nausea, loss of appetite, or chest discomfort.

What Experts Are Saying

Dr Alicia Demirjian, consultant epidemiologist and clinical lead for antimicrobial resistance and prescribing at the UKHSA, said, “Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats facing modern medicine, but the good news is we can all do something about it.”

If a doctor has prescribed antibiotics, it is vital to take the medicine exactly as told, without skipping or delaying doses.

The NHS advises, “If you miss a dose, check the patient information leaflet to see what to do. If you are unsure, speak with a pharmacist or your GP. In many cases, you can take the missed tablet as soon as you remember and then continue the course as usual. If it is almost time for your next dose, leave out the missed one and return to your usual schedule.”

A very common medical condition globally, sleep apnea is a disorder that interrupts breathing during sleep. Several factors can cause it, though the risk rises sharply with obesity because extra fat in the neck, known as pharyngeal fat, can narrow the airway. Health professionals usually advise lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to ease symptoms, but if these steps do not help enough, weight-loss injections may be recommended.

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has now approved the weight-loss drug Mounjaro as a treatment option for sleep apnea, a condition where a person repeatedly stops and starts breathing through the night. The TGA states that Mounjaro may be used for adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who also meet the criteria for obesity with a body-mass index of 30 or more.

The United States Food and Drug Administration cleared the same drug for this purpose last year. This raises an important question. How could a medicine known mainly for weight management and type 2 diabetes support people struggling with sleep apnea?

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea affects close to a billion people worldwide. It causes repeated pauses in breathing that disrupt sleep and reduce oxygen levels. Many people notice loud snoring, choking or gasping, and heavy daytime fatigue. The main forms are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), caused by a blocked airway, and central sleep apnea (CSA), which occurs when the brain does not send the right signals to the breathing muscles. If ignored, it can raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic.

How Does Obesity Trigger Sleep Apnea?

Obesity is one of the strongest contributors to obstructive sleep apnea. Roughly 80% of people diagnosed with the condition also live with obesity. The link runs in both directions. Extra fat around the neck can make the airway narrower and disturb breathing.

At the same time, sleep apnea can interfere with hunger and satiety hormones such as ghrelin and leptin, which can encourage overeating. Persistent tiredness makes it harder to stay active or maintain healthy habits, creating a cycle in which both problems feed into each other.

How Can Mounjaro Help With Sleep Apnea?

Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, also sold elsewhere under names like Zepbound. It works by activating receptors for two gut hormones known as GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones help control appetite, food intake and blood sugar. They are normally released when we eat, but tirzepatide mimics their action so people feel satisfied with smaller portions. Eating less overall can lead to gradual weight loss, which may improve sleep apnea symptoms in those whose condition is tied to obesity.

Mounjaro Side Effects

Although Mounjaro may be useful for some adults with sleep apnea, digestive side effects are fairly common. People may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation or a drop in appetite. These issues often lessen as the body adjusts. Some users have also noted gallbladder-related concerns.

Even with these drawbacks, interest in Mounjaro as a sleep apnea therapy is growing because it offers a drug-based option for a condition long treated mainly with devices such as CPAP machines. Still, the medication is meant for people with obesity, and not everyone with sleep apnea falls into that category.

It is always best to speak with a healthcare provider before beginning or stopping any prescribed treatment.