8 things you need to know about aspirin
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is one of those medicines that literally everyone knows. It is available in every home medicine cabinet and many take it at the first sign of illness, often without a clear understanding of the properties and therapeutic effect of the drug. Meanwhile, the effect of aspirin on the human body is very diverse and far from always favorable. It is important to find out about this in advance in order to avoid health problems.
Aspirin Reduces the Risk of Certain Cancers
It has been found that people who have regularly taken small doses of acetylsalicylic acid for a long time are less likely to become victims of the following types of malignant neoplasms:
- colorectal cancer (tumors of the rectum and colon), as well as recurrent precancerous polyps (in those patients who have undergone surgery to remove such formations);
- breast cancer. In this case, we are talking not only about reducing the risk of a tumor, but also about a significant improvement in the prognosis of survival among sick women, as well as a decrease in the likelihood of metastases;
- tumors of the esophagus;
- prostate cancer.
It is necessary to understand that aspirin is not an antineoplastic agent and it is impossible to cure cancer solely with its help. However, regular use of acetylsalicylic acid reduces the risk of a number of cancers and increases the chances of a cure for some patients with cancer.
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Taking aspirin helps avoid pressure surges in pregnant women
In small doses, aspirin is sometimes prescribed during the second trimester of pregnancy:
- to reduce blood viscosity at risk of developing varicose veins;
- to prevent spasms of peripheral vessels;
- if you suspect the presence of antiphospholipid syndrome (a serious complication leading to spontaneous miscarriages).
Experts note that in pregnant women who took acetylsalicylic acid preparations, the risk of developing complications associated with changes in blood pressure decreases by about 10%. However, one should not forget that the use of the drug is unsafe: aspirin can penetrate the placental barrier and lead to impaired fetal development, as well as provoke massive bleeding during childbirth.
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People who take aspirin are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
The positive effect of aspirin, manifested in a decrease in the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, was found only in women: it is enough for them to take the drug for one to two months at least twice a week, so that the likelihood of the onset of the disease decreases by 40%.
The ability to protect yourself from Alzheimer's with acetylsalicylic acid is also quite real: with long-term regular intake of small doses, the risk of developing the disease is reduced by 13%.
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Combining aspirin with ibuprofen prevents stroke
Aspirin makes the blood thinner and reduces the number of platelets. This property allows the drug to be used to help people prone to cerebrovascular accident. Studies conducted by American doctors have shown that treatment with acetylsalicylic acid in combination with ibuprofen reliably prevents recurrent strokes in most patients who have suffered a "stroke".
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Aspirin May Reduce Asthma
For women over the age of 45, taking aspirin at least once every two days reduces the risk of developing asthma by 10%. However, the use of this remedy requires caution: in persons suffering from asthmatic attacks, the drug can aggravate the course of the disease.
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Taking aspirin can trigger stomach problems
Acetylsalicylic acid negatively affects the condition of the walls of the stomach, destroying the mucous membrane. For people with high acidity of gastric juice, the risk of developing peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding is quite high with prolonged use of the drug.
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Aspirin works weaker on women than on men
Some researchers note that the effect of aspirin depends on the sex of the patient. For example, a decrease in the predisposition to heart attacks, noticeable in men who regularly take acetylsalicylic acid, is almost not observed in the fairer sex.
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Aspirin should not be taken for viral infections, especially for children
For some viral infections, aspirin enhances the negative effect of viruses, in such cases it is strongly discouraged to take it. This is especially dangerous in pediatric practice: taking aspirin against the background of a viral infection can cause Reye's syndrome - a serious complication in which the liver and brain are damaged, leading in 20% of cases to death. Since parents on their own cannot distinguish a viral infection from other diseases, it is better not to give aspirin to children at all, at least without the appointment of a pediatrician.
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Aspirin is sold without a doctor's prescription. Many people perceive this medicine as completely harmless, and in vain. Acetylsalicylic acid is a powerful agent with very versatile effects and many side effects. It cannot be taken uncontrollably, without knowing about the peculiarities of the state of your body. A reasonable approach to the use of drugs of this kind involves preliminary examination and consultation with a specialist.
In addition, aspirin can have different trade names and be included in various drugs (including those that are widely advertised and positioned by manufacturers as effective and safe). In order not to harm your health and avoid problems, you must take these circumstances into account when purchasing and taking medicines containing aspirin.
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Maria Kulkes Medical journalist About the author
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, specialty "General Medicine".
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