Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot, leading to excessive bleeding from even minor injuries. It’s caused by a deficiency in certain clotting factors, often inherited from parents.
The signs and symptoms include unexplained GI bleeding, blood in urine, nosebleeds, excessive bruising, heavy and prolonged menstrual and painful and swollen joints. The prolonged bleeding is also seen during dental extractions, any type of surgery, injury, and even after using needles for infusing medications or vaccines.
The primary risk factor for hemophilia is having a family history of the disorder, as it’s typically inherited. Males are more likely to develop hemophilia since the gene responsible is carried on the X chromosome.
Hemophilia requires lifelong management with factor concentrates, regular testing, joint care, and maintaining overall health to improve quality of life.
