Does your child bruise easily or bleed for longer than normal from small injuries? It could be haemophilia.

What is haemophilia?

Haemophilia is an inherited, genetic, bleeding disorder where your blood lacks an essential protein to allow it to clot normally.

The severity of a person’s bleeding disorder usually depends on the amount of clotting factor that is missing or not functioning. People with haemophilia can experience uncontrolled external and internal bleeding that can result from a seemingly minor injury. Bleeding into muscles and joints can cause severe pain and disability while bleeding into major organs, such as the brain, can cause death.

Virtually all sufferers are males as the condition is X-linked. Female carriers may also bleed abnormally, because some have low levels of the clotting factor.

Unfortunately there is no cure for this congenital disease and it cannot be prevented, BUT haemophiliacs can lead a relatively normal life if they have access to proper treatment.

The statistics

The worldwide incidence of haemophilia is not well-known, but sufferers are estimated at more than 400 000. In South Africa 1 in 5000 boys are born with haemophilia. It affects people of all races and ethnic origins globally. Regrettably, a vast number of patients with haemophilia, or other bleeding disorders, remain undiagnosed – or are diagnosed at a very late stage.

Unfortunately, approximately 75% of people with haemophilia around the world still receive inadequate treatment or have no access to treatment.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptoms you might notice are bleeding more than normal and bruising easily, for instance:

• Nosebleeds for no apparent reason.
• Heavy bleeding from small injuries.
• Heavy long-term bleeding in the mouth after a tooth is removed.
• Bleeding from a cut or injury that starts up again after stopping.
• Blood in urine or stool.
• Large bruises.

If you have bleeding in a muscle or joint, it may be painful to move it. You may have swelling, and the area may be painful to the touch.

Bleeding can also happen in the brain. If you’ve had a head bump – even if it’s minor – and you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor:

• A headache.
• Neck pain and stiffness.
• Vomiting
• Sleepiness
• Sudden weakness or problems walking.

Treatment

The goal of the treatment is to provide the body with factors responsible for blood clotting. This is done by injecting a product that contains the needed factor into a vein. Bleeding stops when enough clotting factor reaches the bleeding site.

Strategies to help prevent bleeds

• Regular exercise to strengthen muscles; protects joints, and improves fitness.
• Maintain a healthy body weight to avoid stress on the joints.
• Avoid contact sports.
• Regular infusion of clotting factor may reduce time spent in hospital.
• Toddlers should wear elbow and knee pads as well as helmets when cycling.
• Ensure that playground equipment is safe.
• Good oral care and hygiene will help to prevent the loss of a tooth or dental disease.
• Certain medications should be avoided; aspirin and ibuprofen can cause bleeding.

The 17^th of April is World Haemophilia Day. Be inspired, and get involved by joining the international community to raise public awareness to improve the quality of care and accessibility for people with bleeding disorders. All South Africans with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders are encouraged to participate in this global event by sharing their stories on the World Federation of Haemophilia website.

Source: www.haemophilia.org, www.medicalnewstoday.com, www.webmd.com, www.healthline.com, www.haemophilia.org.au, www.thehealthsite.com, www.health24.com, www.crawler.com, www.doctormdx.com, www.yukozimo.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.