Final answer:
NSAIDs stands for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, which include widely used medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen that relieve pain, reduce fever, and prevent blood clots. These drugs work by inhibiting enzymes involved in the production of prostaglandins, but their long-term use can lead to significant side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
NSAIDs stands for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. These medications are distinguished from steroids, which share similar anti-inflammatory properties but also carry a broad range of other effects. NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen provide pain relief, reduce fever, prevent blood clots, and at higher doses, reduce inflammation. However, their use comes with risks of side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, heart attack, and kidney disease.
The action of NSAIDs involves inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins that cause inflammation and pain. For instance, aspirin deactivates COX enzymes important in prostaglandin synthesis, while ibuprofen and naproxen inhibit these enzymes. Caution is advised with long-term NSAID use because of the potential for gastrointestinal, liver, or kidney damage. Moreover, aspirin is often used to prevent blood clots in individuals with heart conditions, though there are risks associated with its regular use, including compromised inflammatory responses to infections and increased bleeding during injury.