In medical practice, aspirin has long been a well-known drug, and its efficacy and risk coexist, like a coin with two sides. It is often used to relieve minor pain, and as a platelet aggregation inhibitor, it plays a significant role in the prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. However, as with any medical intervention, the use of aspirin is not without risks.
In this age of information explosion, information about aspirin is ubiquitous, but they are often one-sided, or oversimplified. This leads to a lack of awareness of the side effects of aspirin, especially among middle-aged and older people. This is not only because people in this age group are more likely to use aspirin on a regular basis, but also because they are more susceptible to these side effects.
1. The widespread use and potential risks of aspirin
In modern medical practice, aspirin is widely used in a variety of clinical scenarios, especially playing an important role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It effectively reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by inhibiting platelet aggregation. However, like a double-edged sword, the use of aspirin does not come without a cost.
Long-term or excessive use of aspirin can cause a range of side effects. A common misconception is to think of it as a completely harmless drug, especially in self-medication without a doctor's guidance. For example, people with certain health conditions, such as stomach ulcers or bleeding tendencies, need to be more cautious when using aspirin.
In addition, aspirin may interact with other medications in some specific situations, increasing the risk of side effects. Therefore, even as an over-the-counter medication, it's important to understand your health and possible drug interactions before you start taking aspirin.
2. One of the common side effects: gastrointestinal upset
The effects of aspirin on the gastrointestinal tract may be one of the most well-known side effects. It has a direct irritating effect on the gastric mucosa, which can lead to stomach pain, indigestion and even gastric ulcers. The incidence of gastrointestinal upset is higher in people who take aspirin for a long time or use it inappropriately.
Imagine that aspirin is like an unwelcome guest who intrudes into the calm environment of the stomach and breaks the original harmony. The protective layer of the gastric mucosa is gradually destroyed, so that the erosive effect of gastric acid on the stomach wall is enhanced, which may eventually lead to inflammation and even ulcers.
To prevent this side effect, it is advisable to use aspirin under the guidance of a doctor and monitor for any signs of discomfort while taking the drug. For patients with a history of gastrointestinal problems, aspirin should be carefully selected with the advice of a medical professional.
3. Common side effect 2: risk of bleeding
The effect of aspirin on platelets, while helping to prevent blood clots, also increases the risk of bleeding. This side effect can manifest as mild bruising and nosebleeds, or more serious internal bleeding such as gastrointestinal bleeding.
Platelets are a key player in the blood clotting process, and aspirin reduces the formation of blood clots by inhibiting their function. However, this also means that this process can be delayed or blocked when the body needs to do its natural blood clotting in response to a wound.
Particularly in patients who are receiving anticoagulant medications, or individuals with bleeding tendencies, aspirin needs to be used with extreme caution. In these cases, even a small wound can cause unusual bleeding, which requires a thorough medical evaluation before taking aspirin.
4. The third common side effect: allergic reactions
Although less common, aspirin can also cause allergic reactions. The severity of these reactions can range from a mild rash to severe anaphylactic shock. In some individuals, aspirin may trigger an overreaction of the immune system, causing the body to react to it adversely.
Allergic reactions come in many forms and can manifest as itchy skin, erythema, and even difficulty breathing and facial swelling. For those with a history of drug allergies, even small doses of aspirin can trigger an allergic reaction.
When considering aspirin, it's important to know your own allergy history. If you experience any unusual symptoms after taking aspirin, you should stop using it immediately and seek medical help. While aspirin is a commonly used drug, it is not suitable for everyone.