Whether it was to relieve a headache or lower a fever, you have probably used aspirin at one time or another. This over-the-counter medication comes in the form of a pill that is taken orally and can be used as a pain reliever for aches and sores from a number of causes such as arthritis or a common cold. It is an anti-inflammatory agent and an antipyretic, meaning that it reduces fevers, and it can be used to prevent blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Aspirin as a prescription may also relieve rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and several other ailments. This wonder drug is made by a variety of common brand names such as Bayer and Bufferin, and it is able to treat so many problems because the chemicals and other materials that cause pain, fevers, swelling, and blood clots are prevented from being produced by the aspirin.
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Since ancient human history, people had known about the special medical uses of Aspirin. It was first used by Hippocrates in ancient Greece, who found it in the bark of willow trees in the form of powder over 2,000 years ago. Much later, in the 1700s, it was discovered by an Oxford scientist, Edward Stone. He identified it as a part of salicylic acid. In the late 1850s, aspirin was gathered in its pure form by a scientist named Von Gilm through a chemical reaction of salicylic acid and acetylated chloride. The pure aspirin was eventually used by chemists at Bayer AG who were able to create the molecule synthetically. Today, there is controversy over whether this synthetic method of creating the drug was founded by Felix Hoffman or Arthur Eichengrun, both chemists working on the project at the time. Bayer however, credits Hoffman with the discovery. Hoffman was working on the project in order to help relieve the pain of his rheumatic father, and today it is used to treat many more problems experienced by people all around the world.
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Aspirin is an important drug that is used everyday, however every drug has its side effects. Though the risk is quite low, it is important to be aware of aspirin's side effects. These effects may include nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, and heart burn. Some more serious side effects are difficulty breathing swelling in the throat or face, quickened heart rate and breathing, a rash or hives, clammy skin, and hearing loss. When too much aspirin is taken, and a person overdoses, the effects are much worse. The over-dose will cause burning pain, fever, restlessness, confusion and hallucinations, and shaking or seizures. As always, a doctor should always be informed if these side effects affect a person taking aspirin, but do not worry. These occurrences are rare, and this wonder drug can be depended on to relieve many types of aches you might have when taken in the proper amounts and used responsibly.
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