Pain relief is a common use for aspirin, especially if the pain is from a headache or from arthritis. Arthritis is a painful swelling of the joints between bones. Aspirin is also used to bring down a fever in adults. Aspirin is also used to thin the blood. Persons who have had a stroke or heart attack sometimes need to have their blood thinned so that blood clots do not form.
Blood clots are clumps of blood cells that can block the normal flow of blood.
This is because a very serious illness called Reye's Syndrome can occur if aspirin is used when children have some viral diseases. Stomach upset and gastrointestinal bleeding are side effects that can happen to persons taking aspirin. It is very important to notify a healthcare provider if they occur. Try to take aspirin with food and a glass of water or milk. Aspirin is available with a stomach protective coating.