Aspirin

Introduction:

Aspirin or acetylsalicyclic acid (ASA) is commonly used for aches, pains, and headache occaisionally and long term if recommended by a physician for the prevention of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots if the patient is a candidate and the benefit of aspirin outweighs the risk of its use. It may cause an increase in the risk of bleeding by inhibiting thromboxane synthesis in platelets. Aspirin can reduce the prostaglandins which serve as a protective layer in the gastrointestinal tract placing patients at risk for gastric ulcers resulting in bleeding in the stomach. Aspirin use in children has been associated with Reyes Syndrome characterized by rash, vomiting and liver damage that may occur while taking aspirin with a viral illness. Ringing in the ears may occur in high doses.