Why does aspirin cause gastric irritation

The pathogenesis of small intestinal and colonic damage is less well understood; an increase in intestinal permeability and free radical synthesis are suggested. Gastric damage predominates.

Gastroduodenal lesions from aspirin have been documented in endoscopy studies. The lesions occur rapidly, even for low-dose aspirin. The association of aspirin consumption with upper gastrointestinal bleeding has been well established. Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view.

It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs. How can I protect my stomach from the side effects of aspirin? Michael Roizen, MD. Internal Medicine. Aspirin can exacerbate ulcers or other abdominal pain.

April Karl E. Miller, American Family Physician. May 1, American College of Gastroenterology. Emery P. Cyclooxygenase A major therapeutic advance?

American Journal of Medicine. January 8, Graumlich JF. Postgraduate Medicine. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Acquire the license to the best health content in the world. December 31, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Intestinal Disorders. Cancer: Liver. Robert Califf to Lead Agency Again. Related articles.

Trending topics. Wellness A-Z. As well as reducing pain, aspirin and all of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs can also eat away at the stomach lining causing bleeding and ulcers , inhibit clotting, and in rare cases damage the kidneys. The problem with aspirin and its cousins, such as ibuprofen, is that they aren't "specific. Their beneficial effects come from their ability to block cyclooxygenase-2 COX-2 , an enzyme that promotes inflammation, pain, and fever.

Unfortunately, the drugs are even more effective at inhibiting COX-1, a related enzyme essential for the health of the stomach lining and kidneys. It might be very beneficial to create compounds that selectively inhibit only target COX-2 but don't have any effect on COX At least three drugs do exactly that, including celecoxib Celebrex.

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view.