LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Aspirin
built 235 days ago
Results of the large European survey (Aspirin-Induced Asthma European Network [AIANE] study) based on 500 aspirin-sensitive patients with diagnosis confirmed by aspirin provocation were recently published [8**]. ASA shows a similar and characteristic picture all over Europe. The AIANE study has shown that rhinitis is often the first symptom of the "asthma triad" syndrome and was related to a flu-like infection by half of the patients [8**]. Symptoms of rhinitis appear on average at the age of 30 years and are characterized by rhinorrhea, nasal blockage, and loss of sense of smell. In an average patient, the first symptoms of asthma appeared 2 years after the start of rhinitis. Intolerance to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) became evident 4 years later.
Source:
Aspirin is the medicine for relieving pain as well as in reducing fever. The term 'aspirin' is now a trademark. It was initially used in 1899 when this drug was launched in Europe. Developed as a treatment for treating arthritis by German chemist Felix Hoffman, it was meant for the treatment of his father's ailment. While some take aspirin daily to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or for that matter other heart problems, aspirin is used nowadays for relieving many other kinds of minor aches and pains. Mention may be made of menstrual cramps, joint pains, headaches, toothaches, muscle pain linked with arthritis besides the uneasy feelings that many experience with flu and colds.
Source:
Aspirin has potential risks as well as benefits, like any drug. Patients should be careful to ask their doctor or health care professional before deciding whether aspirin is right for them and how much aspirin they should take.
Source:
Aspirin may increase, decrease, or change the effects of many drugs. Aspirin can increase the toxicity of such drugs as methotrexate (Rheumatrex) and valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene). Taken with such blood-thinning drugs as warfarin (Coumadin) and dicumarol, aspirin can increase the risk of excessive bleeding. Aspirin counteracts the effects of certain other drugs, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta blockers, which lower blood pressure, and medicines used to treat gout (probenecid and sulfinpyrazone). Blood pressure may drop unexpectedly and cause fainting or dizziness if aspirin is taken along with nitroglycerin tablets. Aspirin may ... interact with diuretics, diabetes medications, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), seizure medications, and steroids.
Source:
Aspirin inhibits an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase, which is involved in the production of inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins. Arachidonic acid, a fatty acid that is essential in the diet of cats and dogs, makes up cell membranes. When the inflammatory cascade is active, cells begin to convert their arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Aspirin puts a stop to this.
Source:
Aspirin's antithrombotic effect is mediated by inhibition of blood platelets. The drug blocks a platelet enzyme, cyclo-oxygenase, by acetylating the enzyme's active site. Inhibition of the enzyme blocks production of an important prothrombotic agent known as thromboxane A2. Thromboxane A2 causes activation and aggregation of platelets, which is an early step in thrombosis. Aspirin is more effective in preventing arterial thrombosis (myocardial infarction, stroke) than venous thrombosis (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism). The explanation for this difference seems to be that platelets play a larger role in causing arterial thrombosis.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Aspirin