Aspirin (Aspirin, Arthritis Foundation Safety Coated Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin, Bayer Children's Aspirin, Ecotrin, and many others) is a NSAID used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in the body that results from forms of arthritis, and soft tissue injuries. Aspirin is also used for decreasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Side effects, drug interactions, pregnancy information, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.

Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased. There are several types of anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (the most common type), sickle cell anemia, vitamin B12 anemia, pernicious anemia, and aplastic anemia. Symptoms of anemia may include

• fatigue,
• malaise,
• hair loss,
• palpitations,
• menstruation, and
• medications.

Treatment for anemia includes treating the underlying cause for the condition. Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and certain medications may also be necessary.

Exactly what is sickle cell anemia? Learn about sickle cell and other diseases by testing your IQ with the Blood and Bleeding Disorders Quiz.

A bruise, or contusion, is caused when blood vessels are damaged or broken as the result of a blow to the skin. The raised area of a bump or bruise results from blood leaking from these injured blood vessels into the tissues as well as from the body's response to the injury. Treatments include applying an ice pack and pressure to the area by hand.

Children's health is focused on the well-being of children from conception through adolescence. There are many aspects of children's health, including growth and development, illnesses, injuries, behavior, mental illness, family health, and community health.

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin of the penis. Circumcision is generally a safe surgical procedure.

A complete blood count (CBC) is a calculation of the cellular makeup of blood. A CBC measures:

• the concentration of white blood cells,
• red blood cells,
• platelets in the blood, and
• aids in diagnosing conditions and disease such as
  • malignancy,
  • anemia, or
  • blood clotting problems.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and fever. Ibuprofen works by blocking an enzyme that makes prostaglandin (a hormone-like substance that participates in a variety of body functions), which results in lower levels of prostaglandins in the body. Lower levels of prostaglandins reduce pain, inflammation, and fever.

Ibuprofen is prescribed to treat diseases and conditions that cause mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. For example:

• Pain from strains and sprains
• Pain from cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds
• Muscle aches and pains
• Tooth pain
• Common cold
• Mild headache
• Some arthritis conditions
• Joint pain
• To reduce fever

Common side effects of ibuprofen include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Belly pain
• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Mild rash

More serious side effects and adverse effects include:

• Increased bleeding after injury
• Stomach ulcers
• Impaired kidney function
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Blood clots
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• High blood pressure

The maximum dose prescribed under a doctor's care is 3.2 g daily. Otherwise, the over-the-counter (OTC) maximum daily dose is 1.2 g daily. Dosage depends upon the age, weight, and any current medical conditions of the patient. Several drugs interact with ibuprofen so check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional with questions in regard to this drug. Doctors don't know if it is safe to take ibuprofen if your are pregnant, therefore it is not recommended if you are pregnant. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ibuprofen is safe to take while breastfeeding.

REFERENCE: FDA Prescribing Information.

Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve) is in the class of drugs called nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Naproxen is prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and fever. Side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.

Nosebleeds are common in dry climates during winter months, and in hot dry climates with low humidity. People taking blood clotting medications, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory medications may be more prone to nose bleeds. Other factors that contribute to nosebleed are

• trauma (including nose picking, especially in children),
• rhinitis (both allergic and nonallergic), and
• high blood pressure.

First-aid treatments for a nosebleed generally do not need medical care. Frequent or chronic nosebleeds may require medical treatment such as over-the-counter (OTC) medication, and prevention of nose picking.

Peptic or stomach ulcers are ulcers are an ulcer in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Ulcer formation is related to H. pylori bacteria in the stomach, use of anti-inflammatory medications, and cigarette smoking. Symptoms of peptic or stomach ulcers include:

• Abdominal burning or hunger pain
• Indigestion
• Abdominal discomfort after meals

Treatment for stomach ulcers depends upon the cause.

Normal vaginal bleeding (menorrhea) occurs through the process of menstruation. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are ovulating regularly most commonly involves excessive, frequent, irregular, or decreased bleeding. Causes of abnormal may arise from a variety of conditions that may include:

• Uterine fibroids
• IUDs
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Lupus
• STDs
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Emotional stress
• Anorexia nervosa
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Cancers
• Early pregnancy

The treatment for abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding depends upon the cause.