Why does aspirin cause stomach discomfort?
Nov 05, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Aspirin may inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins in the gastric mucosa, and since prostaglandins play a protective role in the gastric mucosa, long-term use of aspirin may weaken the barrier function of the gastric mucosa, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort. This may manifest as inducing or exacerbating gastric ulcers, accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting blood and black stools. It is recommended to use medications such as Xiangsha Yangwei Pills for treatment under the guidance of a physician.
Under normal circumstances, aspirin may cause stomach discomfort due to direct drug irritation, increased gastric acid secretion, gastric mucosal damage, allergic reactions, or gastric ulcers. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Direct Drug Irritation
As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), aspirin's chemical properties may directly irritate the gastric mucosa, potentially causing stomach discomfort. It is recommended to avoid taking the medication on an empty stomach and maintain a light diet during treatment to prevent worsening of gastrointestinal symptoms.
2. Increased Gastric Acid Secretion
Aspirin may indirectly stimulate increased gastric acid secretion, thereby exacerbating stomach discomfort. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux. It is recommended to use medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, pantoprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets under medical guidance for treatment.
3. Gastric Mucosal Damage
Aspirin can directly irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to local inflammatory responses and resulting in stomach discomfort, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. It is recommended to use medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets, salsalate tablets, or sodium aminosalicylate enteric-coated tablets under medical supervision for treatment.
4. Allergic Reaction
If an individual has an allergic reaction to aspirin, taking the drug may trigger an excessive immune response, causing stomach discomfort along with symptoms such as skin itching and difficulty breathing. It is recommended to take antiallergic medications such as levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets, mizolastine sustained-release tablets, or setastine hydrochloride tablets as directed by a physician.
5. Gastric Ulcer
Aspirin may inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins in the gastric mucosa. Since prostaglandins play a protective role in maintaining gastric mucosal integrity, long-term use of aspirin may weaken the stomach’s mucosal barrier function, leading to stomach discomfort, including the development or worsening of gastric ulcers. Symptoms may include hematemesis (vomiting blood) and melena (black, tarry stools). It is recommended to use medications such as lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, hydrotalcite chewable tablets, or Xiangsha Yangwei Pills under a doctor’s guidance for treatment.
In daily life, consumption of spicy, raw, or cold foods should be avoided to prevent triggering physical discomfort.
