What is acetylsalicylic acid? In what cases is it necessary and useful, and in what cases can it harm the body?
Answering these questions on a TV program, Dr. Alexander Myasnikov notes that in 2023 the 170th anniversary of the discovery of acetylsalicylic acid - aspirin.
According to him, it is believed that aspirin affects inflammatory processes in the body, lowers temperature and thins the blood, and it should be prescribed to all patients at risk of complications from cardiovascular disease. This acid is present even in red raspberry jam, so folk medicine describes it to reduce fever. Also, this acid reduces the death rate due to certain types of cancer, and is a good remedy for hangovers, although it does not directly affect the process of ethanol metabolism and is not associated with detoxification of the body, but rather helps to get rid of unpleasant symptoms and improve the person's condition in general.
He says, "The other drug is paracetamol, which lowers the temperature better, except that with alcohol it can kill the liver immediately."
Myasnikov emphasizes that, in fact, there are many contraindications to the use of this miracle drug that must be taken into account. Aspirin can only be taken on prescription, and in no case is it recommended to take it on your own without a doctor's prescription due to contraindications.
According to him, uncontrolled aspirin intake can lead to bleeding and he says: "Four out of 10,000 people who take aspirin suffer severe bleeding and the death rate is 50 percent."
And he adds, children under the age of 14 are prohibited from taking aspirin, because it may cause fatal consequences. It is also not recommended to prescribe it to pregnant women except in special cases and in small doses.
Myasnikov stresses that we must bear in mind that aspirin is useful for people who have had a myocardial infarction, stroke, or suffer from atherosclerosis, or vasoconstriction and angina pectoris.
Health issues : An "early" symptom of alcoholic liver disease that can be seen at night
Heavy drinking is caused by alcoholic liver disease (ARLD), which often has no symptoms in the early stages.
The NHS explains that the condition usually only causes signs once the liver has been severely damaged and the disease is at an advanced stage. However, an "early" sign of the disease may appear at night, according to the British Liver Trust.
The charity said sleep disturbance, or insomnia, was an "early" symptom of alcohol-related liver disease.
Experts at the British Liver Trust point out that while the early stages of alcohol-related liver disease do not usually cause many symptoms, insomnia can be an 'early' symptom.
According to the NHS, insomnia can also occur when you begin to experience a buildup of toxins in your brain. The authority explains that this may indicate an "advanced" form of liver damage.
She added, "With the liver being severely damaged, more obvious and serious symptoms can appear."
And the health authority advises to “see a doctor as soon as possible” if you suffer from any symptoms of liver disease.
Other symptoms of a liver condition that need to be addressed may include:
Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet due to fluid buildup (edema)
Abdominal swelling caused by fluid buildup (ascites)
- High fever and bouts of shivering
Severe itching of the skin
Hair loss
Unusually curved fingertips and nails (clumpy fingers)
Significant weight loss
Muscle weakness and wasting
Confusion, memory and personality changes caused by a buildup of toxins in the brain
Black stools and vomiting of blood as a result of internal bleeding
Bleeding and bruising more easily, such as frequent nosebleeds and bleeding gums
Increased sensitivity to alcohol and drugs because the liver cannot process them.
However, alcoholic liver disease does not always lead to symptoms, so you should talk to your doctor if you drink excessively.