Final answer:
Anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs and steroids are used to treat various ailments by reducing inflammation, but long-term use can decrease the body's ability to fight infections and lead to adverse health effects like ulcers, heart attacks, and kidney disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat a number of ailments by decreasing inflammation in the body. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, which inhibit the formation of blood clots and are used by individuals with heart conditions, as well as steroids such as cortisol for controlling autoimmune diseases and severe arthritis. However, while they are effective in reducing inflammation and associated symptoms, there can be undesirable consequences when taking these drugs on a regular basis. For instance, since inflammation is part of the body's defense mechanism, regular use of anti-inflammatory medication can result in a decreased ability to fight infections. Furthermore, the long-term use of steroids may lead to additional health problems.
It's important to be aware of the various side effects associated with NSAIDs. These may include gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds, heart attack, and kidney disease. Therefore, while these drugs are beneficial for their analgesic (pain relieving), antipyretic (fever reducing), and anti-inflammatory properties, caution is advised with their long-term use, due to the potential for serious side effects and the impact on the body's natural defense mechanisms.