Which of the following is a common use of aspirin aside from pain relief?

Aspirin is commonly used to prevent blood clots, which is a significant aspect of its pharmacological profile. The mechanism behind this involves aspirin's action as an antiplatelet agent. It irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), which is an enzyme that promotes the production of thromboxane A2, a substance that facilitates platelet aggregation. By reducing the production of thromboxane A2, aspirin decreases the ability of platelets to clump together, thereby lowering the risk of clot formation in blood vessels. This property makes aspirin particularly valuable in the prevention of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, especially in individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease or those at high risk.

Other options, such as increasing platelet aggregation, treating respiratory infections, and lowering blood sugar levels, do not align with the established uses of aspirin in clinical practice.