Inflammation is an essential part and highly regulated response to injury that promotes healing and provides protection against infection. Inflammation is frequently painful and hot, which can be easily controlled by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In 2012, 98 million NSAIDs were prescribed in the U.S. (“Treating Osteoarthritis and Pain” www.consumerreports.com) NSAIDs are commonly used to treat pain and reduce fever and inflammation by reducing the amount of prostaglandins the body makes. Aspirin is a stellar example of an NSAID. (“Pain Relievers: Understanding Your OTC Options” www.familydoctor.org) To control inflammation, aspirin must be ingested. After ingestion, aspirin is absorbed rapidly from the stomach and small intestine
