Hemophilia
Hemophilia
is a hereditary disease that does not allow blood to clot
properly. There are two known forms of Hemophilia which are
known as Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B. Hemophilia A is the most
common type and people with this type of Hemophilia have lower
levels of factor VIII, which is a clotting factor. There are
over 17,000 people in the United States with this type and it is
found in primarily males but can also affect women. There are
cases of Hemophilia A throughout the entire world. Hemophilia B
is also called the Christmas disease. It was named this after
the first person was found to have this type of Hemophilia.
Persons with type of Hemophilia have lower levels of factor IX.
Factor IX is a coagulation factor. This type is also seen
throughout the world and mainly in males. Both types of
Hemophilia have the same or similar symptoms and signs which
include longer than normal bleeding from abrasions or cuts,
unexplained bleeding, bruise easily with out a known cause, pain
and swelling in the joints and muscles due to unexplained
bleeding, blood found in the stool or urine, and in the case of
infants longer bleeding after circumcision. These symptoms
differ with each individual and can be mild to severe. To be
diagnosed if you believe you child may have hemophilia the
physician will have to due a few blood tests after getting a
family history. The test will show if there are any coagulation
factors in the blood by the clotting time. Prevention is the
first thing to consider if you have hemophilia. You should watch
the activities that you do in order to ensure that you do not
cause a bleed. Your physician can talk with you about many daily
activities that can cause bleeds and how to work around injuring
your joints. The prevention is better than the cure as in most
cases. Your doctor can you with regular exercise and good
nutrition to begin with that can aid in stopping bleeding
episodes. Learning to use protective gear while enjoying all
kinds of normal activities can also help you not to bleed. You
can enjoy all kinds of activities even if you have hemophilia
such as fishing, golf, swimming, cycling, hiking and even
walking. Just remember to talk with your physician he will be
able to help you know how to better protect your self so you can
enjoy everything in life you deserve. Treatments include
infusions of blood clotting factors; these can be done at
several locations