“The error is that ulcers are caused by bacteria. Aspirin taken alone on an empty stomach might be a problem, but if taken with some food, the problem should be minimal.”
I have to comment on a couple of assertions in that paragraph. One, although there is at least one study suggesting aspirin is more likely to cause GI damage in patients with an existing h. pylori infection, the results are controversial and not very applicable to clinical practice. http://gastroenterology.jwatch.org/cgi/content/full/2001/815/1 In any event, it isn’t correct to say that the bacteria cause the problem in these aspirin-related studies. From the article review: “Epidemiologic studies have suggested that H. pylori plays a minimal synergistic role (if any) in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-associated GI complications”.
Other evidence suggests that the relationship between h. pylori and ulcers (peptic) is not so clearcut, even in the absence of NSAIDs. For example, it is well known that lots of patients test positive for h. pylori, yet show no sign of ulceration. In other patients (such as myself) an ulcer occurred in the absence of h. pylori but in the presence of NSAID treatment (ibuprofen).
Also, I think many of us can offer a quick personal rebuttal of the “if taken with some food, the problem should be minimal” idea. Even a single aspirin or ibuprofen will cause me considerable heartburn now, even taken during a meal and even while on PPI therapy (Prilosec), although the PPI completely eliminates symptoms otherwise. When I was a kid I could take aspirin with no regard to the consequences (and without even much water) but the situation has changed considerably in the intervening years. You are lucky to be able to tolerate it. It does seem wise to carry the aspirin as quick first aid to a suspected coronary event; even I would gulp a couple down in those circumstances.
>> “ It does seem wise to carry the aspirin as quick first aid to a suspected coronary event; even I would gulp a couple down in those circumstances.” <<
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A far better choice for “coronary events” is to carry a tincture of capsaicin. The Capsaicin does more than just stop the attack; it actually speeds the healing of the damaged tissue. If you’re not much on capsaicin, the next best choice would be Strodival tablets. They stop the attack by neutralizing the lactic acid, and also aid in healing the damage.
Aspirin is only marginal in relieving the attack, and does nothing toward preventing the recurrance.