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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Aspirin can cause frequent bleeding

Peter H. Gott, M.d. The Spokesman-Review

Dear Dr. Gott: I realize as people age their skin and capillaries become fragile. My concern, however, is for my father. He is in his mid-80s and in good general health, but whenever he sustains an abrasion, usually on his forearms, he seems to bleed longer than what I consider normal. I apply a pressure bandage and one hour later can still note fresh blood seeping through before it finally will clot. He is on a low dose of blood pressure medication (his BP isn’t that high without it, about 150 to 160 over 80). He also takes an 81 milligrams aspirin every day. I think he should cut back on the aspirin. What do you think? His recent CBC was normal.

Dear Reader: Aspirin therapy slows blood coagulation and is probably the cause of your father’s tendency to bleed after slight trauma. He could certainly stop the aspirin if approved by his physician.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Consumer Tips on Medicine” and “Blood – Donations and Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 for each report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott.: My wife insists it is OK to allow our cat to finish the cereal in her bowl every morning. I say it is not sanitary for us humans. Who is right?

Dear Reader: If your wife washes her cereal bowl thoroughly after sharing it, I see no health risks. So, on this issue, I’ll have to support your wife’s contention.

Dear Dr. Gott: My partner has a problem with her nose. She has been diagnosed with a hole in her right septum, and she is sniffing constantly. She gets a lot of weird looks from people, and it’s hard to listen to all night. Her doctors keep telling her that the hole is too big for a “button” repair and all they give her is a nasal solution and saline sprays that obviously don’t work. Can you make any suggestions?

Dear Reader: A defect in the nasal septum can reflect chronic irritation. I suggest that she be examined by an ear-nose-and-throat specialist (or get a second opinion if she is already under the care of one) who can address more successful therapy, including surgical repair, an option that I would endorse as a logical cure. Such an operation is easy, safe and may put an end to her chronic complaints.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Medical Specialists” and “An Informed Approach to Surgery.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 for each report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).