What are painkillers used for?

Painkillers are medications specifically designed to relieve pain and reduce symptoms associated with discomfort. They work by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain or by interfering with the brain's interpretation of those signals. This helps individuals manage pain from various conditions, such as headaches, injuries, or chronic illnesses, without addressing the root cause of the pain.

The distinction is important: painkillers do not treat the underlying disease or condition that might be causing the pain, meaning that while they provide symptom relief, they don’t heal or cure the illness itself. They also do not enhance the immune response or have antibacterial properties, which means options related to strengthening immunity or targeting bacteria do not fit the primary function of pain relief.