Sean Marchese, MS, RN | Source | Oncology Medical Writer, Registered Nurse at The Mesothelioma Center

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid or ASA, is in the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). It can reduce swelling and pain from inflammation, such as after injury, infection or immune response. It also helps to reduce fevers. Many people use aspirin to relieve headaches, menstrual pain, arthritis, dental pain and muscle soreness. Aspirin reduces the formation of blood clots, as well, and can prevent heart attacks in people with a history of chest pain or previous cardiac events. This mechanism can prevent strokes caused by blood clots but may be dangerous in the event of a hemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the brain.