Why You Shouldn't Take NSAID If You Have Pneumonia

When you have pneumonia, you usually have a fever and feel pretty achy. Sometimes doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) for those aches and pains - but don't be too quick to take them. According to a new study published in the journal Chest, taking NSAID when you have pneumonia may increase the risk of lung complications.

The Risks of Taking NSAID with Pneumonia

When researchers looked at 90 patients with community-acquired pneumonia who were admitted to a hospital in Paris over a four year period, they found those who took NSAID during their stay were five times more likely to develop an empyema, a collection of pus in a cavity within the lungs.

They also had a higher risk of bacteremia, a condition where bacteria make their way into the bloodstream. These secondary complications can lead to longer hospital stays, more antibiotics and even death.

Why Would Taking NSAID with Pneumonia Lead to More Complications?

Researchers believe taking NSAID reduces the body's response to pneumonia such as fever, which can cause diagnosis to be delayed. Plus, NSAID seem to reduce the ability of the infection to compartmentalize itself, where the immune system walls off the infection and keeps it from spreading to other areas of the lungs or into the bloodstream.

Other NSAID Side Effects

There are other reasons to avoid taking NSAID. They can be toxic to the kidneys, by decreasing blood flow to them, and they increase the risk of bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. These medications are also under scrutiny since studies show they increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially when people use higher doses for long periods of time.

The Bottom Line?

If you have pneumonia and have fever, aches and pains, it's safer to take acetaminophen and avoid NSAID unless you have a history of liver problems. But be cautious with acetaminophen since it's metabolized by the liver and can cause liver damage. According to some studies, as little as four days of Tylenol at the recommended dosage can raise liver enzymes.

Unfortunately, there are few completely safe options for relieving the aches and pains of pneumonia, so take these medications only for the shortest time possible - to be safe.

References:

Medical News Today. "Acetaminophen May Cause Serious Liver Damage"

Medscape.com. "NSAIDs May Worsen Pneumonia Outcomes"

Archives of Internal Medicine. 169(2):141. 2008.