Blood Clotting Disorder: Hemophilia

A blood clotting disorder that causes people to have difficulty with their blood clotting after an injury is known as hemophilia. Clotting is essential because it allows the blood to transition from a liquid to a solid state, which is needed in order for an injury to heal. Hemophilia makes this process difficult and can often result is severe blood loss. Small abrasions are generally not a large concern for people with hemophilia; however, larger injuries can produce serious complications. There are numerous forms of hemophilia that can occur.

Symptoms of Hemophilia

Symptoms of hemophilia vary depending on the form and severity of the condition. The severity and form of hemophilia are determined by the level of clotting factors your blood contains. Clotting factors are proteins responsible for causing the blood to clot. If the clotting factor levels are severely low, it is not uncommon for spontaneous bleeding to occur.

Symptoms of spontaneous bleeding involve deep, large bruises and joint pain, which results from internal bleeding. Unexplainable bruising and bleeding are also symptoms of spontaneous bleeding. Other symptoms of spontaneous bleeding involve blood in the urine or stool, prolonged bleeding after surgeries, injuries, and dental work. Frequent and unexplainable nose bleeds are also common. Many people experience a tightness in their joints.

Severe hemophilia can cause severe complications, such as sudden pain, swelling, and warmth in the joints. Extreme bleeding from an injury and an intense headache can occur. Extreme fatigue, double vision, and neck pain are also known to occur. If any of these symptoms occur, it's important to seek medical treatment immediately.

Diagnosing Hemophilia

Diagnosing hemophilia is fairly simple. Laboratory samples are collected and tested for clotting factors. Many people are unaware they have hemophilia until after they have had surgery and a serious injury. At this time, testing for hemophilia is conducted.

Treatments for Hemophilia

Treatment options for hemophilia vary depending on the severity of the condition. Injections of hormones are often give to slow blood loss. Severe and moderate cases of hemophilia often require a clotting factor infusion, which is gathered from donated blood supplies. Plasma infusions can also be given. While these treatments are effective, there is no cure for hemophilia.

Treatment for hemophilia also includes home treatment and often lifestyle changes. It's important to exercise regularly to build strong muscle and bones. While exercise is beneficial for hemophilia, extreme sports need to be avoided.

Certain medications are known to thin blood and can aggravate bleeding. It's essential you learn which medications can harm those with hemophilia to reduce the risk of a bleeding episode.

References:
"Hemophilia" Mayoclinic.com
"Hemophilia" NIH.gov