Aspirin
Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It was the first of this class of drug to be discovered. Aspirin contains salicylate, a compound found in plants such as the willow tree and myrtle. Its use was first recorded around 4,000 years ago Trusted Source. Hippocrates used willow bark for relieving pain and fevers, and some people still use willow bark as a natural remedy for headaches and minor pain.
NSAIDs are a class of drug with the following effects:
- relieving pain
- reducing fever
- lowering inflammation, in higher doses
These drugs are not steroids. Steroids often have similar benefits to NSAIDs, but they are not appropriate for everyone and can have unwanted side effects. As analgesics, NSAIDs tend to be non-narcotic. This means that they do not cause insensibility or a stupor. Aspirin is a trademark owned by the German pharmaceutical company Bayer. The generic term for aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. Aspirin is a common drug for relieving minor aches, pains, and fevers. People also use it as an anti-inflammatory or a blood thinner. People can buy aspirin over the counter without a prescription. Everyday uses include relieving headache, reducing swelling, and reducing a fever. Taken daily, aspirin can lower the risk of cardiovascular events, such as a heart attack or stroke, in people with a high risk. Doctors may administer aspirin immediately after a heart attack to prevent further clots and heart tissue death. Daily low-dose aspirin is a blood thinning medicine. Aspirin is also known as acetylsalicylic acid. Low-dose aspirin helps to prevent heart attacks and strokes in people at high risk of them.
Uses
Aspirin has many uses, including relieving pain and swelling, managing various conditions, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in people with a high risk. Aspirin is an everyday painkiller for aches and pains such as headache, toothache and period pain. It can also be used to treat colds and "flu-like" symptoms, and to bring down a high temperature. It is also known as acetylsalicylic acid.
Pain and swelling
Aspirin can relieve mild to moderate pain, swelling, or both associated with many health issues, such as:
- headaches
- a cold or flu
- sprains and strains
- menstrual cramps
- long-term conditions, such as arthritis and migraine
For severe pain, a doctor may recommend using aspirin alongside another drug, such as an opioid pain reliever or another NSAID.
Aspirin can also help treat pain and swelling associated with the following chronic health conditions:
- rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other inflammatory joint conditions
- systemic lupus erythematous
- inflammation around the heart, known as pericarditis
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