Egyptian Series Highlights Risks of Painkiller Abuse on Kidney Health
The Egyptian series "Don't Respond and Don't Replace" has sparked significant discussion in Egypt by revealing a shocking human story that serves as a wake-up call about the health risks associated with painkillers.
In the narrative, the protagonist, Dina El Sherbiny, suffers from kidney failure due to the improper and repeated use of pain medications, bringing the issue of excessive painkiller consumption to the forefront, particularly among those under thirty-five.
The series raises a critical question:
Can ongoing reliance on painkillers without medical consultation lead directly to kidney failure and potentially death?
* Weak Control Over Painkillers in Egypt
Dr. Mohamed Abdel Wahab, head of the liver transplantation team at Mansoura University, noted that global health systems impose strict regulations on painkillers, requiring prescriptions for any type of medication.
However, the situation in Egypt is markedly different, where anyone can easily obtain painkillers from pharmacies, often delivered to their homes without any oversight or the need for a doctor's consultation.
Abdel Wahab emphasized that this negligence poses a significant public health risk, especially given the low level of societal awareness regarding the dangers of such behavior.
Prolonged use of unregulated painkillers can lead to severe health complications affecting the liver and kidneys, sometimes resulting in chronic diseases that are difficult to treat.
He called for the need to restrict the dispensing of painkillers under strict medical supervision, stressing that recurring pain should prompt individuals to seek medical advice to diagnose the underlying cause rather than relying on painkillers as a quick fix that could mask a potential health crisis.
* Painkillers: A Silent Threat to Kidney Health
Dr. Magdy Ali, a consultant in kidney diseases and transplantation, warned that the misuse of painkillers without medical oversight is a common cause of kidney diseases.
Some types of painkillers can cause a gradual and silent decline in kidney function, with symptoms only appearing at advanced stages, resulting in direct damage to kidney tissues.
He also highlighted the dangers of combining different types of painkillers or taking them with other medications without consulting a doctor, due to the cumulative and devastating effects on the kidneys.
While painkillers provide immediate relief, their long-term cost could be the loss of a vital organ that cannot be replaced.
Thus, the series serves not only as a dramatic work but as a genuine alarm for the youth of Egypt and the Arab world regarding the dangers of painkillers, and a clear call to enhance health awareness and consult a physician in the case of persistent pain before it escalates into a life-threatening situation.
