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Aspirin is an over-the-counter medication that is used to treat a variety of ailments. There are a few aspirin side effects that must be taken into consideration before an individual begins any type of aspirin therapy. Mild side effects can be nausea and heartburn. More severe aspirin side effects can be difficulty breathing or excessive bleeding.
This medication can perform several functions once it enters the body. It is often used to prevent platelets from sticking together. Platelets are a component of the blood that aid in the process of blood clotting. If platelets become too sticky, they can cause blockages in the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or a stroke.
Individuals who are told they are at risk for heart attack or stroke may assume it is safe to take an aspirin once a day. However, any individual who has an underlying bleeding disorder or a history of bleeding ulcers should not take aspirin, unless he is carefully monitored by his doctor. One of the aspirin side effects is an increased risk for excessive bleeding.
A lot of times aspirin is used to reduce fever and inflammation in the body. Children and teenagers under the age of 20, however, should never be given aspirin to treat the symptoms of chicken pox, the flu, or other viral illnesses. These children could develop a disease known as Reye syndrome. This is a serious disease that can affect the brain and the liver.
Some individuals who have asthma may have a sensitivity to aspirin. Doctors usually recommend that an individual with asthma avoid aspirin as a precautionary measure. When an individual takes aspirin, it can trigger the body to produce a chemical that causes wheezing and shortness of breath in some asthmatics.
The most severe aspirin side effects can be life threatening. Any individual who experiences a sudden rash, swelling of the face and tongue, and difficulty breathing after taking an aspirin should seek emergency medical help right away. This type of reaction is called an anaphylactic reaction.
Women who are pregnant should be very aware of the aspirin side effects. Studies have shown that aspirin can increase the risk for miscarriage early in a pregnancy. Aspirin may also have an effect on the normal growth of the fetus. Because aspirin thins the blood, it can increase the risk for excessive bleeding during childbirth. Hemorrhaging during childbirth can be a life-threatening condition.