What are the symptoms of an acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) overdose?

An overdose of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), commonly known as aspirin, is characterized by specific symptoms that point toward its effects on the body. Nausea and tinnitus are classic indicators of aspirin toxicity.

Nausea results from direct irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and is a common symptom associated with various types of overdoses, particularly those involving medications that affect the stomach lining or cause gastrointestinal upset. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is directly related to the effects of salicylates, as aspirin is known to have ototoxic effects at high concentrations. These symptoms occur due to the metabolic disturbance caused by aspirin's disruption in acid-base balance and its effect on the central nervous system.

While weight gain and fatigue, fever and rash, or diarrhea and abdominal pain may be associated with other conditions or medications, they are not typical symptoms of ASA overdose. For example, weight gain and fatigue are more often linked to chronic disease states rather than acute drug overdoses, while fever and rash suggest an infectious or allergic response rather than direct toxicity. Similarly, diarrhea and abdominal pain can occur with many other gastrointestinal conditions or medications but do not specifically indicate acetylsalicylic acid overdose. Therefore, the combination of nausea and tinnitus is the