Aspirin is a common over-the-counter medicine that is used to treat a variety of diseases including pain, fever, and inflammation. It belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) class and has been used for over a century. Aspirin’s uses, side effects, and precautions will be discussed in this article.
Uses: Aspirin is generally used as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. It is often used to treat headaches, cramps, arthritis, toothaches, and muscle aches. This is also used to treat fevers and, in low dosages, as a blood thinner to prevent blood clots that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Side Effects: Aspirin, like many drugs, can produce adverse effects, though not everyone experiences them. Aspirin’s most common side effect is gastrointestinal disturbance, which includes stomach pain, nausea, and heartburn. Aspirin can potentially cause bleeding difficulties, especially if taken in large quantities or over an extended period of time. Other aspirin adverse effects include ringing in the ears, dizziness, and allergic reactions.
Precautions: In some cases, This should be used with caution. This should be avoided or used only under medical supervision by people who have bleeding disorders or a history of stomach ulcers. This should also be avoided during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, because it increases the risk of bleeding issues. It should be avoided by people who are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
