Aspirin has several uses in medicine, from treating heart attacks to preventing Reye syndrome as well as relieving pain. In fact, it’s one of the oldest drugs in existence! Here are some reasons why everyone should keep this simple medication in their first aid kit:
Heart attack and stroke
Aspirin is a blood thinner, which means it can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Taking aspirin regularly can:
- Reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke
- Help reduce the risk of death from a heart attack or stroke
- Prevent blood clots from forming in the heart or brain
Reye’s syndrome
Reye’s syndrome is a rare but life-threatening condition that can affect children and teenagers. It can cause swelling of the liver and brain, leading to death. Reye’s syndrome is caused by an acute viral infection in children who have taken aspirin or other medicines containing salicylates. This medication may also be found in some cough syrups, cold tablets, pain relievers, and fever reducers for adults.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 18 years of age because it can cause Reye syndrome in this age group (a rare but serious condition). Aspirin is also not recommended for children under the age of 12 as there are concerns that regular consumption may cause Reye syndrome in this age group too.
Pain and soreness
Aspirin is a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet (blood clot) medication.
When you take aspirin, it reduces pain in two ways: by reducing the activity of the enzymes in your body that produce prostaglandins (which cause swelling, redness and pain) and by suppressing inflammation. Aspirin’s anti-platelet properties mean that it can help prevent blood clots from forming after an injury.
Aspirin can be a lifesaver, but only if you keep it on hand. If you’re looking for an easy way to add this essential item to your first aid kit, shop 1stAidSupplies.com!