Aspirin: Uses, Risks, and What You Need to Know

When you think of aspirin, a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces pain, fever, and inflammation. Also known as acetylsalicylic acid, it’s one of the most taken medications worldwide—used for headaches, heart protection, and even preventing certain types of strokes. But for some people, it’s not just a simple pill. It can trigger dangerous reactions, worsen breathing problems, or drop blood pressure in ways that make standing up risky.

One serious issue linked to aspirin is Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease, a condition where aspirin and other NSAIDs cause severe asthma attacks, nasal polyps, and chronic sinus issues. People with AERD don’t just get a stomach upset—they can struggle to breathe after taking even a small dose. This isn’t an allergy in the classic sense, but a chemical reaction that inflames the airways. If you’ve noticed your asthma gets worse after taking ibuprofen or naproxen, you might have this condition. It’s often overlooked, but testing and controlled aspirin desensitization can help manage it.

Aspirin also affects your blood pressure. While it’s sometimes used to thin the blood and protect the heart, it can contribute to orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, leading to dizziness or fainting. This is especially true when combined with other medications like diuretics or blood pressure drugs. If you feel lightheaded when you stand, it’s not just old age—it could be a drug interaction. And aspirin doesn’t play nice with everything. It can interfere with kidney function, increase bleeding risk during surgery, and worsen stomach ulcers. Even if you take it daily for heart health, you should talk to your doctor about whether it’s still right for you.

What you’ll find here are real, practical stories from people who’ve dealt with aspirin’s side effects, alternatives that work better for their bodies, and clear comparisons between aspirin and other pain relievers. You’ll learn who should avoid it, who might benefit from it, and how to spot the warning signs before they turn serious. This isn’t about pushing pills—it’s about understanding how your body reacts to them, so you can make smarter choices.