It's easy to not think twice about popping a couple of aspirin for pain relief because it's such an old, well-known medication. Yet although many people can take aspirin with no problem, the drug does have considerable risks. The medication isn't for everyone -- especially if you have gastrointestinal health concerns. As daily aspirin therapy continues to garner attention, it's important to talk with your doctor before adding this drug into your routine to limit your risk for stomach problems.
Effects on Stomach
Aspirin may cause a number of possible side effects, but the majority of them are related to the stomach and gastrointestinal system. It belongs to a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. All NSAIDS can cause damage to the stomach. Some of the symptoms of GI distress associated with aspirin include nausea, heartburn, stomach pain and even vomiting, according to Medline Plus.
Stomach Bleeding
One of the biggest concerns when taking aspirin, particularly if you're doing so regularly, is the risk for stomach bleeding. Findings from research published in February 2011 in the journal "Circulation" revealed that people using daily low-dose aspirin therapy had almost double the risk for stomach bleeding than those not taking the drug. The risk was even greater -- three to four times higher -- in patients taking both aspirin and clopidogrel, a drug prescribed to prevent blood clots.
Peptic Ulcers
Aspirin can also contribute to the formation of peptic ulcers. These are sores that develop in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine called the duodenum. Ulcers can cause considerable GI irritation and discomfort, with abdominal pain being the most common symptom, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Nausea, vomiting, bloating and loss of appetite are possible effects as well. Some of these symptoms -- including nausea and stomach pain -- may also be indicative of an acute aspirin overdose, which requires immediate medical attention.
Precautions
You should always take aspirin with milk or food to help reduce possible stomach irritation. Your current health status can put you at higher risk for stomach problems. If you already have GI conditions you may not be able to take this medication. Gout, asthma and anemia are other health problems that may make aspirin unsafe for you, the Ohio State University Medical Center reports. Alcohol use can increase your chances of developing stomach bleeding as well. Certain medications, such as warfarin, can also up the bleeding risk so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this NSAID.
References
- Stanford School of Medicine; Aspirin and Its Cousins Ranked by Stomach Toxicity; Simple Test Predicts Patient Risk; November 1997
- Medline Plus: Aspirin
- Reuters; Aspirin, Other Meds Linked to Stomach Bleeding Risks; Genevra Pittman; March 2011
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; H. pylori and Peptic Ulcers; April 2010
- Medline Plus: Aspirin Overdose
- Ohio State University Medical Center: Aspirin
