What follows is a realistic scenario outlined by a doctor. It reflects a very common problem.
The whole family was concerned. Now the doctor too. "If the bleeding doesn't stop soon," said the doctor, "we may need to consider a blood transfusion.
The man had slowly lost blood from his intestines for several weeks and the problem was diagnosed as inflammation of the stomach or gastritis. "Are you sure you are not taking any medication?" asked the frustrated doctor.
"No. Just this over-the-counter natural product for my arthritis," said the man.
Suddenly the doctor raised his ears. "Let me see." By carefully researching the ingredient label, he found what he was looking for. Acetylsalicylic acid! Problem solved. When the patient stopped taking the aspirin-containing compound and was given iron and stomach medication, the bleeding stopped and his blood count slowly returned to normal.
Drug-induced bleeding
Drug gastrointestinal bleeding is a serious medical problem today. While there are many drugs that can be involved, most of these problems come from drugs used for arthritis and pain. This includes a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. The names can vary from country to country.
Aspirin is found in many over-the-counter medicines, and daily use of aspirin has increased in many countries in recent years. Because?
Enthusiasm for aspirin
In 1995, the Harvard Health Letter reported that "the systematic use of aspirin saves lives". Citing several studies around the world that have been repeated several times since then, the researchers concluded, “Almost everyone who has had a heart attack, stroke, angina, or has had an operation. For bypass surgery, an average of one aspirin tablet should be taken a day, unless you are allergic to the medicine. "*
Other researchers claim that taking aspirin daily is beneficial for men over 50 who are at risk of a heart attack and women who are at risk. In addition, some studies suggest that daily aspirin can reduce the risk of colon cancer and that large doses over a long period of time can help lower blood sugar in diabetics.
How does aspirin work to achieve these suggested benefits? While not all is known, the evidence suggests that aspirin makes the platelets less sticky, which disrupts blood clot formation. Presumably, this helps prevent clogging of the small arteries that lead to the heart and brain, and prevents damage to vital organs.
With all of these supposed benefits of aspirin, why isn't everyone taking it? On the one hand there are still many unknowns. The ideal dosage is also unclear. Recommendations range from a standard pill twice a day to a single infant aspirin every other day. Should the dose for women be different from that for men? Doctors are not sure. Although enteric coated aspirin may be considered useful, the benefits of buffered aspirin remain controversial.
Reasons for caution
Although aspirin is technically a natural substance (Indians extracted components of aspirin from willow bark), it has many side effects. In addition to bleeding problems in some people, there are many other possible complications with aspirin, including allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to aspirin. The daily use of aspirin is of course not for everyone.
A person who is at risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or who has significant risk factors may want to ask the doctor about the risks and benefits of daily aspirin use. The patient will definitely want to make sure that they do not have any bleeding problems, aspirin intolerance, and gastrointestinal or gastrointestinal problems. Any other potential problems or drug interactions should be discussed with the doctor before starting treatment.
As mentioned above, there is a significant risk of bleeding with aspirin and aspirin-like drugs. And this bleeding can be subtle, not immediately noticeable, and it can increase slowly over time. Other medications, especially other anti-inflammatory drugs, should also be carefully considered. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are using any of these agents. In most cases, it is advisable to stop the drug before surgery. Regular laboratory monitoring of blood levels might even help.
If we want to protect ourselves from future problems, we will pay attention to the biblical adage: "Cunning is one who has seen misfortune and hides, but the inexperienced have passed away and must suffer retribution". (Proverbs 22: 3) In this area of medicine we are among the smartest in order not to be punished for our health.
Interesting writing