Final answer:
It is true that aspirin can prolong clotting and should not be used by children due to the risk of Reye syndrome. Aspirin's anticoagulant properties inhibit platelet aggregation, which can lead to prolonged bleeding but it also provides benefits in preventing cardiovascular events in at-risk adults.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that aspirin may prolong clotting and is contraindicated in children because of its relationship to Reye syndrome. Reye syndrome is a serious condition that leads to swelling in the liver and brain and can result in neurological damage, coma, or even death. This condition often follows a viral infection such as influenza or chickenpox, and has been linked to the use of aspirin. Consequently, health agencies like the CDC advise against the use of aspirin, or products containing aspirin, to treat viral illnesses in individuals younger than 19 years of age.
Aspirin is known as an anticoagulant by inhibiting the aggregation of platelets which may increase the risk of certain side effects including prolonged bleeding. Therefore, it should not be used in cases where there is a risk of major bleeding or before surgeries, including dental procedures. Despite its potential side effects, aspirin remains on the market because of its benefits in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in certain patients.