You do everything you can to take care of yourself as naturally as possible but sometimes the need to take an aspirin is there. Before you reach into the medicine cabinet for the bottle of aspirin, there are some things you need to know. Here we look at enteric coated aspirin.
Be aware that aspirin with an enteric coating offers control over the area of the digestive system that it is absorbed in. An enteric coated aspirin is not released into the body until it finds its way to the small intestine.
Uses and Benefits of Aspirin:
Aspirin has many uses, as well as benefits. It can be used to relieve mild to moderate discomfort due to such things as head colds, headaches, toothaches and aches in the muscles and joints. It can also be used to reduce fever and to reduce pain and swelling that often accompanies medical problems such as arthritis.
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and also a salicylate. What this means is that it acts by blocking a substance that is naturally found in the body in order to reduce swelling, pain and overall discomfort. Aspirin therapy is often recommended for those who have high blood pressure or cardiovascular problems. In fact, aspirin works as a preventative for blood clots and is often used as a blood thinner for those who have recently had a surgical procedure performed for clogged arteries. Aspirin also reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin can be life saving!
Aspirin Side Effects:
Enteric coated aspirin also has some side effects worth being aware of before you take it. An upset stomach and/or heartburn sometimes occur when a coated aspirin is taken. If you find this happens a lot then speak to your physician about it.
Serious side effects are not common with coated aspirin. However if you experience problems with your hearing, ringing in your ears, the tendency to bruise or bleed easily, persistent or severe nausea or vomiting then tell your physician right away. The same can be said if you notice a yellow cast to your skin or eyes or if you notice that your urine is getting darker. If you experience dizziness that cannot be explained, or find yourself suffering from fatigue then these are side effects that should not go untreated.
Taking Enteric Aspirin:
Before you start using enteric coated aspirin to treat yourself, you should talk it over with your doctor and then take it as prescribed. It is also important for you to read over the information in the package insert and then follow the directions carefully.
Aspirin is taken by mouth and should be consumed with a full glass of water (which is to say an eight ounce glass). Swallow the aspirin whole. Do not crush it or chew it. This will decrease the effectiveness of the enteric coating and may cause your stomach to become upset.
Samantha
Alternative Health for Today 