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From Jennie Kermode

I was dismayed to see, in your recent issue, yet another article extolling the benefits of aspirin without any mention of the side effects it can have for many people (7 February, p 36). The suggestion that governments might consider adding aspirin to the water supply is particularly horrifying.

Aspirin intolerance is a far from rare condition and can present serious dangers. Some sufferers experience skin irritation and swelling in the mouth, eyes and hands; others experience difficulty in breathing, and there is evidence that frequent aspirin use can worsen chronic asthma. There have even been a few reports of aspirin triggering anaphylactic shock.

And this is only part of the problem. Aspirin interacts with a number of other drugs and may also worsen their side effects. It cannot be safely taken by people on many forms of chemotherapy, or who have stomach ulcers, or are taking corticosteroids. It presents an increased risk of bleeding for people on anticoagulants like warfarin, and can also cause complications if used in conjunction with certain diuretics.

There is also some evidence that it can interfere with maternal and neonatal blood clotting mechanisms if it is taken during pregnancy.

While these risks may not be an issue for everybody, they ought to be of serious concern to those recommending aspirin as a panacea for all.

Glasgow, UK