25 Nov 2022
Aspirin is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) known as a salicylate and is obtainable in generic form. It is widely used to alleviate mild to moderate pain during conditions such as headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, and the common cold and reduce arthritis swelling.
Arthritis is a condition causing stiffness and pain in joints followed by swelling, redness, or warmth. The shape of joints also changes in severe cases. It can be a debilitating disease that causes problems with individuals' mobility and leaves them with fatigue and soreness while affecting their sleep patterns.
What is Aspirin for Arthritis?
Aspirin is an over-the-counter medication that relieves pain and is also a blood thinner. Besides, it also prevents some coronary events like heart attacks. Available in capsule, tablet, gum, or suppository form, it is characterized as an analgesic.
It appears to halt the breakdown of cartilage, thus acting as the body's natural shock absorber, protecting joints from damage. Although a pain-killer for Arthritis and achy stiff joints, Aspirin does not prevent joints from long-term injury.
How Does Aspirin Work?
Among one hundred various types of Arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most commonly known to affect the mobility of knees, hips, and hands. Statistics dictate that 4% of the world's population suffers from osteoarthritis. As claimed by the study, Aspirin's daily dose has been helpful in combating Arthritis and slowing down joint damage.
Aspirin is discovered to be the first NSAID on the planet. And because of its anti-inflammatory property, it blocks fever, inflammation, and pain-causing chemicals in the body. In other words, it stops the production of natural substances that cause pain, swelling, fever, or blood clots.
Research-Based Observations
One large study on women with no high blood pressure revealed that the long-term use of Aspirin is associated with causing high blood pressure. Another significant research spotlighted the health risk of Aspirin as causing kidney diseases.
Under the light of demonstrations made by the study, the risk of kidney failure among people taking Aspirin is 2.5 times higher compared to those who do not take Aspirin.
Ibuprofen Or Aspirin, What Is The Best Medicine For Arthritis?
NSAIDs, particularly Aspirin, are most commonly used to relieve joint stiffness, swelling, and pain, but sometimes ibuprofen has given priority over Aspirin for treating Arthritis, including back pain and menstrual cramps.
Ideally, Aspirin is not as potent as ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory agent and is generally used as an analgesic. In comparison, ibuprofen is used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. Despite all this, NSAIDs are referred to as the best medicine to fight arthritis pain.
Is It Safe To Consume Aspirin For Arthritis On Daily Basis?
Low-dose Aspirin works best for many months and years. However, it causes ulcers in the gut or stomach in the long run. Moreover, the dose of Aspirin for rheumatoid Arthritis includes 1000 mg every 4 to 6 hours, 650 mg every 4 hours, 500 mg every 4 to 6 hours, and 1950 mg daily. Ibuprofen is also a better alternative to dealing with inflammation.
Interaction & Side Effects
On the one hand, Aspirin helps people with Arthritis manage their symptoms. While on the other hand, it may interact with other medications or cause dangerous side effects. Aspirin may interact with
- Anti-inflammatory pain-killers
- Warfarin
- Methotrexate
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- Antidepressants
- Side Effects:
- The most common side effects include;
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Some severe side effects that arise because of the utilization of Aspirin are;
- Hives
- Rash
- Rapid heart rate
- Cold clammy skin
- Hearing loss
- Difficulty wheezing or breathing
- Ringing in the eras
- Swelling of face, mouth, throat, or eyes
- Vomit that seems like coffee grounds
- Vomit with blood in it
- Poop with blood in it
- The poop looks like tar or black
- Special Instructions:
- Do not consume Aspirin with other over-the-counter NSAIDs and prescription drugs.
- Fix a time and try taking it at the same time each day.
- Take it with an antacid or food.
- Avoid exceeding the consumption above three days for fever and ten days for pain.
Risks and Precautions
People should be cautious about consuming Aspirin if they have
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- A bleeding disorder like hemophilia
- Stomach or peptic ulcers
- Asthma
- Kidney or liver disease
- Pregnant women or the ones who breastfeed must administer low-dose Aspirin.
- Aspiring occasionally worsens stroke; that's why it is often prohibited to treat stroke.
- Anyone drinking alcohol or undergoing dental or surgical treatment should consult the doctor before taking Aspirin.
Conclusion
Aspirin is a prescription and non-prescription drug used to treat and prevent various issues. Everyone should avoid taking Aspirin daily without medical guidance. If you encounter any of the symptoms mentioned above, inform your healthcare practitioner or doctor, mainly when these symptoms do not stop or turn severe. Also, avoid going beyond the recommended dosage.
