NSAIDs: What They Are, How They Affect Your Body, and What You Need to Know

When you reach for ibuprofen or naproxen to ease a headache, sore muscles, or menstrual cramps, you’re using a class of drugs called NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. Also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, they’re among the most common medications people take daily—often without realizing how much they can affect their body over time.

But NSAIDs aren’t harmless. They’re linked to serious risks like gastrointestinal damage, ulcers, bleeding, and perforations in the stomach and intestines, and kidney injury, especially in older adults or those with high blood pressure or diabetes. These aren’t rare side effects—they happen more often than most people think. A study from the American College of Gastroenterology found that over 100,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year because of NSAID-related stomach problems. And for kidneys, even short-term use can lower blood flow enough to cause trouble in vulnerable people.

Who’s most at risk? People over 65, those taking blood pressure meds like ACE inhibitors, anyone with kidney disease, and folks using multiple painkillers at once. Even if you feel fine, damage can build up silently. That’s why monitoring matters—knowing the early signs like bloating, dark stools, reduced urine output, or sudden swelling can catch problems before they turn critical.

Not all NSAIDs are the same. Some are stronger, some last longer, and some hit your stomach harder. Aspirin is one, but it’s also used for heart protection. Ibuprofen is common in over-the-counter bottles. Naproxen lasts longer and may be gentler on the heart, but it’s harder on the gut. Celecoxib is designed to be easier on the stomach, but it’s not risk-free. The key isn’t just choosing one—it’s understanding how long you’re taking it, how often, and whether you really need it.

You’ll find posts here that break down exactly how NSAIDs interact with other meds, why some people react worse than others, and how to tell if your body is signaling trouble. We’ll show you what to ask your doctor before refilling that bottle, how to spot kidney stress before it’s too late, and what alternatives might work better for your situation. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but with the right info, you can use these drugs smarter—not just more often.