Using aspirin regularly could increase the risk of developing Crohn’s disease, according to new research.

Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system and affects around 90,000 people in the UK.

A study conducted by scientists at the University of East Anglia found a link between taking aspirin regularly and a higher risk of developing Crohn’s. The study of 200,000 people aged 30-74 in the UK, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Italy found that those who used aspirin on a regular basis were around five times more likely to develop Crohn’s than those who rarely used the painkiller.

Lead researcher Dr Andrew Hart presented the findings at the Digestive Disease week conference in New Orleans.

“Aspirin use could be one of many factors which influences the development of this distressing disease,” said Dr Hart

However, he also emphasised that the overall risk of developing the condition is still ‘very low’ and people should continue to use aspirin.

Find a local practitioner