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Aspirin—we’ve all probably got some lurking in our medicine cabinet, right? But how much do we really know about it? Like, beyond the occasional headache remedy? It’s more than just a painkiller and fever reducer, that’s for sure. Let’s take a closer look together.
So, let’s get to it and explore the facts surrounding aspirin.
What Is Aspirin?
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It’s used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and decrease inflammation.
It does a few key things:
- Pain relief: It reduces pain that’s mild to moderate, like you get from a headache or a toothache.
- Fever reducer: It brings down your temperature when you’ve got a fever.
- Anti-inflammatory: It treats inflammation, which is helpful when you’re dealing with inflammatory conditions.
Aspirin’s a nonsteroidal drug which means it’s not one of those medications that has benefits similar to steroids, but can also come with unwanted side effects.
Keep in mind though that painkillers and anti-inflammatory meds that aren’t steroidal tend to be pretty common.
Aspirin Uses
Aspirin is one of the most widely used medications for treating mild to moderate pain, headaches, fever and here’s what it’s often used for:
- Headaches.
- Menstrual pain.
- Colds.
- The flu.
- Toothaches.
When using aspirin to treat mild to moderate pain, it’s usually taken on its own. But if the pain is moderate to severe, sometimes it’s combined with stronger opioid analgesics or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Aspirin is also used in a clinical setting to help reduce the risk of these conditions:
- Rheumatoid fever.
- Rheumatic fever.
- Pericarditis which is inflammation of the heart.
Low-dose aspirin can be prescribed by a doctor as an antiplatelet which helps prevent blood clots. Doctors might prescribe a low dose of aspirin for these conditions:
- Transient ischemic attack.
- Heart attack.
- Stroke.
- Coronary artery bypass.
- Atrial fibrillation which is often caused by rapid irregular heartbeats, leading to poor heart function, which affects how well your body gets blood supply.
A daily low-dose aspirin might also be recommended for people who have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke or to prevent heart issues, blood vessel problems, colon or rectal cancer or for individuals who are:
- With high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
- Who have high blood pressure or maybe just a higher than normal systolic blood pressure.
- Who are being treated for optic nerve swelling or vision issues.
- Who smoke.
- Who have had diabetes for more than 10 years.
- Who take blood pressure medication.
- Who have a 10% or greater chance of developing heart or blood vessel disease.
- Who are at risk of falls.
- Who expect to live 10 more years or longer.
It’s pretty important to consider, that in addition to all those other reasons for taking aspirin, we should also talk about preventative care, and how to be more proactive with our health. We’ve noticed that many people are now looking for resources to help manage their health, from diet, exercise, and even supplements that can boost your well-being. It’s all about staying ahead of the game, really.
Aspirin for Children
Generally, aspirin shouldn’t be given to anyone under 16 because it can increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome, which can occur after a viral infection.
However a doctor might prescribe aspirin for a child, if they have Kawasaki disease which is a rare condition that affects children under the age of five.
Kawasaki disease is marked by severe inflammation in blood vessels, especially those near the heart.
Who Should Avoid Taking Aspirin
Aspirin is not recommended for people who have these conditions:
- Peptic ulcer.
- Hemophilia or another bleeding disorder.
- Aspirin sensitivity.
- Sensitivity to NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
- A risk of bleeding in the digestive tract or nasal passages.
- People who drink alcohol regularly.
- People who are about to undergo dental work or surgery, even minor ones.
Here are some other medical conditions that might require you to avoid aspirin unless specifically directed by your doctor:
- Asthma.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- A history of peptic ulcers.
- Kidney problems.
- Gout.
Heads up: If you’re scheduled for surgery, you should tell your doctor if you’re taking aspirin. You might need to stop taking it about 7 days before the procedure.
Key takeaways
- Aspirin’s a versatile drug, used for everything from headaches to preventing heart attacks.
- It’s not for everyone, especially kids and people with certain medical conditions.
- Always talk to your doctor before starting aspirin, especially if you’re already on other medications.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is aspirin safe for daily use?
For some people, a low dose of aspirin daily can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, it’s not without risks, like increased bleeding. It’s a conversation you should have with your doctor to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks.
Can I take aspirin with other medications?
Aspirin can interact with other drugs, including blood thinners and other pain relievers, potentially leading to increased bleeding or other side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining aspirin with other medications.
Is aspirin only for adults?
Generally, no. Aspirin use in children and teenagers is linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition. Unless specifically directed by a doctor for certain conditions like Kawasaki disease, it’s best to avoid giving aspirin to young people.
Is aspirin effective for all types of pain?
Aspirin is most effective for mild to moderate pain, like headaches, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps. For severe pain, stronger medications may be necessary.
Can aspirin cure a cold?
Aspirin can help relieve symptoms like fever and body aches associated with a cold, but it does not cure the underlying viral infection. It’s purely a symptomatic treatment.
Testimonials
I started taking a low dose aspirin every day on my doctor’s advice. It’s scary, but I had a previous cardiac arrest. I’m in my early fifties, and the thought of another stroke or heart attack was something that was making me super anxious every day. It has been really helpful.
I’ve been dealing with chronic headaches for years, and aspirin has been a lifesaver. It’s the only thing that consistently provides relief without knocking me out like some of the stronger meds. I also follow physical therapy and massage. I’m glad to be on the right path.
As a woman with crazy period cramps every month, aspirin is my go-to. It eases the pain so I can get through the day without missing work or school. I always carry some in my purse, just in case.
So, yeah, aspirin—it’s got its place, doesn’t it? But like anything, it’s all about knowing the ins and outs, talking to your doc, and figuring out what’s best for you. It’s not a cure-all, but it can be a pretty handy tool in the right situation, especially when we consider all things discussed.
