What are the side effects and risks of aspirin?
Aspirin is mainly available in tablet, capsule, and powder forms. Generally, aspirin will not cause side effects or harm if used strictly according to medical instructions. However, long-term or excessive use may lead to gastrointestinal reactions, coagulation disorders, allergic reactions, Reye's syndrome, neurological symptoms, and may also cause gastrointestinal mucosal damage, subcutaneous bleeding, toxic symptoms, impaired fetal development, and increased cardiac workload. It is recommended to consult a professional physician before using this medication. Detailed analysis is as follows:
I. Side Effects
1. Gastrointestinal reactions: Long-term use of aspirin may damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing adverse gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, gastric ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
2. Coagulation disorders: Aspirin can inhibit platelet aggregation and prothrombin formation, prolong prothrombin time, and increase the risk of subcutaneous or gastrointestinal bleeding.
3. Allergic reactions: A small number of individuals may experience allergic reactions such as urticaria, angioneurotic edema, aspirin-induced asthma, and shock after taking aspirin.
4. Reye's syndrome: Overuse of aspirin in children or adolescents with viral infections and fever may cause Reye's syndrome, which can damage the body.
5. Neurological symptoms: Excessive intake of aspirin may cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and tinnitus. Severe cases may lead to confusion, seizures, and other discomforts.
II. Health Risks
1. Gastrointestinal mucosal damage: Aspirin can damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, easily leading to peptic ulcers, bleeding, or perforation.
2. Subcutaneous bleeding: Long-term use of aspirin may cause subcutaneous bleeding, manifested as purplish skin discoloration, petechiae, and even bleeding gums or nosebleeds.
3. Toxic symptoms: Long-term use of aspirin may cause toxicity, leading to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, and decreased hearing and vision.
4. Impaired fetal development: Pregnant women taking aspirin during the first three months of pregnancy may cause fetal developmental abnormalities. Prolonged use thereafter may lead to delayed delivery.
5. Increased cardiac workload: Long-term excessive use of aspirin may cause arrhythmia and increase the cardiac workload.
If this medication is required, it is recommended to use it under the guidance of a professional physician to avoid unnecessary harm to the body. In daily life, one should maintain regular and light meals, avoiding spicy and irritating foods such as pepper, chili, and onion, which are detrimental to health.