What are the side effects of aspirin?
Under normal circumstances, aspirin is a commonly used medication that may cause various side effects when exerting its therapeutic effects. These side effects mainly include gastrointestinal irritation, coagulation abnormalities, respiratory allergic reactions, metabolic system damage, and neurological discomfort. The details are as follows:
1. Gastrointestinal irritation: Aspirin can damage the gastric mucosal barrier and inhibit the synthesis of protective substances, leading to upper abdominal bloating, acid reflux, nausea, and in some individuals, vomiting. Long-term or high-dose use may result in gastric mucosal erosion or gastric ulcers, and in severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeding manifesting as black stools or hematemesis.
2. Coagulation abnormalities: Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, prolongs clotting time, and increases the risk of bleeding. Common manifestations include easy bruising, recurrent gum bleeding, and persistent nosebleeds. During injury or surgery, wound hemostasis may be significantly delayed.
3. Respiratory allergic symptoms: Some individuals are allergic to aspirin. After taking the drug, they may experience nasal congestion, throat itching, and in severe cases, asthma attacks accompanied by wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Skin rashes, urticaria, and itching may also occur. In rare and severe cases, angioedema (vascular neurogenic edema) may develop, endangering respiratory safety.
4. Metabolic system damage: Long-term or excessive use of aspirin increases the burden on the liver and kidneys and impairs metabolic function. In the liver, elevated transaminase levels may occur, and in severe cases, jaundice may develop, characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. In the kidneys, it may lead to hematuria (blood in urine) and increased urinary protein.
5. Neurological discomfort: A minority of individuals may experience neurological side effects after using aspirin, particularly at high doses. Common symptoms include headache and dizziness. Some people may also experience tinnitus or mild hearing loss. In more severe cases, blurred vision and difficulty concentrating may occur. These symptoms typically gradually improve after dose reduction or discontinuation of the drug.
When using aspirin, it is essential to strictly follow medical instructions regarding dosage and duration. Regular monitoring of health indicators is recommended. If any of the above adverse effects occur, promptly communicate with healthcare professionals to adjust the treatment plan.