(AscendHealthy.com) – Many of us have a bottle sitting in the medicine cabinet, even if it’s mostly gathering dust. Aspirin has its place, despite all the other modern advances we have to choose from, but it’s not the best medication for everyone. For some groups of people, it can be downright dangerous. We have the details.
1. Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Studies show all aspirin users run the risk of developing peptic ulcers and other problems that can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. These risks are even greater in people who take higher aspirin doses or have Helicobacter pylori infections. People with certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or a history of peptic ulcer disease, could be at risk for rare but particularly deadly complications.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke
According to the American Heart Association, aspirin can reduce some risks of heart disease and stroke. This doesn’t mean it can prevent all types of events. Aspirin can actually increase a person’s chances of suffering a hemorrhagic stroke, which is the result of bleeding in the brain. As a result, long-term aspirin regimens can often do more harm than good.
3. Worsened Kidney Disease
People with chronic kidney disease, especially in its advanced stages, could worsen their conditions by taking aspirin. The medication may increase the chances of renal failure, according to one study, particularly when part of a daily regimen. People with advanced kidney disease should discuss this possible effect with their doctors to see if they should avoid aspirin altogether.
4. Dangerous Drug Interactions
People taking multiple medications always need to be on the lookout for drug interactions. Any type of blood thinner may increase aspirin’s bleeding risks, as might the use of steroids, NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitor medications. People who drink alcohol may also increase their chances of suffering serious or deadly bleeding issues.
5. Reye’s Syndrome
This rare but serious complication occurs when children suffering from certain viral infections receive aspirin for their symptoms. It’s caused by mitochondrial damage that leads to a crash in the body’s ability to use fatty acids. Reye’s syndrome can begin with profuse vomiting, nightmares, confusion and fatigue, but the condition can quickly progress to seizures, renal failure, respiratory failure, coma and death.
According to a Healthline report, about 29 million people take aspirin every day in the hopes of preventing heart disease, and about 6.6 million of those people are doing so without a doctor’s recommendation. These people may be unaware of the risks they’re taking each day. Remember, even over-the-counter medications might have side effects, and some can be more dangerous than others. Make sure to discuss all your medications with your healthcare provider to avoid potential issues.
~Here’s to Your Healthy Ascension
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