Acetylsalacylic acid, or aspirin, is a medicine known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. Most common uses include pain, fever and inlammation, but other treatments continue to emerge, such as the possibility of its use in treating colon cancer. According to Dr. Otis Brawley, medical director of the American Cancer Society, “Aspirin is a drug that been with us a little over 100 years, and we continue to learn impressive and important things about its potential benefits.” He also warned of potential adverse reactions.
Description
Aspirin works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, chemicals produced by the cells. Prostaglandins have many functions. and aspirin's benefits and risks stem from its effect on different prostaglandins, explains Sunny Y. Auyang, PhD. Some prostaglandins respond to injury and infection, causing unwanted effects such as pain, fever and inflammation. Aspirin, as an anti-prostaglandin, is valuable because it can reduce these effects. Other prostaglandins cause blood to clot in response to a wound. Although aspirin is used to prevent blood clots that cause heart attacks, it can also cause excessive bleeding.
Uses
Aspirin is used to reduce fever in adults, to treat mild to moderate pain and to reduce inflammation. Under the supervision of a doctor, it can be used to prevent heart attacks and strokes. According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, after calling for emergency help for signs of a heart attack, chewing a regular-strength aspirin for 30 seconds and swallowing it can increase the odds of survival.
Precautions
Aspirin should not be used by those with a recent history of bleeding in the stomach or intestines or those with an allergy to any NSAID. Certain medical conditions may require aspirin dosage to be adjusted by a doctor. Some of these conditions are asthma, liver or kidney disease, a bleeding disorder, gout, nasal polyps, ulcers, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Aspirin should not be taken with other NSAIDs or alcohol, and should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, according to Drugs.com. Aspirin must not be given to children or teenagers.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects to aspirin include upset stomach, heartburn, headache and drowsiness. A doctor should be notified if these side effects are bothersome or severe.
Adverse Effects
Signs of an aspirin allergy include hives, difficulty breathing and swollen lips, tongue or throat. Black, tarry or bloody bowel movements, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, and severe stomach pain indicate excessive bleeding. Aspirin should never be given to children or teenagers, according to MayoClinic.com. Reye's Syndrome, a rare but life-threatening swelling of the brain and liver, can result. Aspirin overdose is toxic, and signs include ringing in the ears, confusion, vomiting, hallucinations and seizures. Emergency medical attention is required for these adverse reactions.
References
- Havard Medical School Family Health Guide: Aspirin For Heart Attack: Do Healthy People Need An Aspirin A Day?
- Drugs.com: Asprin
- MayoClinic.com: Reye's Syndrome
- The HarvaRd Medical School Family Medical Guide: AspirIn For Heart Attack: Chew Or Swallow?
- NYTimes: Patients Are Reminded of Aspirin’s Risks
