11 warning signs of hemophilia

11 warning signs of hemophilia

Hemophilia is a rare, typically genetic condition that impacts the blood’s ability to clot. This develops as a result of a lack of certain proteins (factor VIII or factor IX), which help with clotting. A shortage of these factors can make one more likely to experience bleeding, which can lead to other health complications. Recognizing the condition’s early warning signs can help one receive timely medical care and prevent such complications:

1. Prolonged bleeding from wounds
One of the most common warning signs of hemophilia is prolonged, excessive, or unexplained bleeding from cuts and wounds or after surgeries or dental work. Without hemophilia, bleeding typically stops within a few minutes. However, for those affected by this condition, bleeding may last for hours as a result of a lack of clotting factors in the blood.

2. Easy bruising
Those with hemophilia may also be susceptible to spontaneous or unexplained bruising. Children with hemophilia often have bruises of different sizes all over their bodies. The bruises can develop even from the smallest of bumps and may cause pain or discomfort. They are typically observed on the arms and legs.

3. Spontaneous bleeding
Those with moderate to severe hemophilia may also experience spontaneous bleeding, that is, bleeding without any apparent cause or injury. This bleeding may be internal or external, such as bleeding in the gums and mouth or bleeding in the skin, muscle, or tissue.

4. Prolonged, heavy menstrual periods
Among women with bleeding disorders like hemophilia, heavy periods or menorrhagia are common symptoms. Most women lose anywhere between 30 to 40 ml of blood during one menstrual cycle. Blood loss of over 80 ml is considered to be heavy. Over time, this can lead to low iron levels in the blood, also known as anemia.

5. Bleeding in the joints
Hemophilia may also lead to bleeding in the joints, such as the knees, ankles, and elbows. This causes pain, swelling, and tightness in the joints. When left untreated, this can limit the ability to move comfortably.

6. Blood in urine or stool
Those with moderate to severe hemophilia may also be at a higher risk of internal bleeding, which can be observed as blood in the urine (hematuria) or stool. This could be a result of bleeding in the bladder, stomach, or intestines. This symptom usually requires immediate medical attention.

7. Nosebleeds
Another warning sign of hemophilia is severe or unexplained nosebleeds, which can be hard to stop and often require medical intervention.

8. Fatigue
Even the mildest form of hemophilia results in irregular amounts of blood loss. This can increase the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, causing fatigue and weakness that affects the ability to participate in daily activities. As a result, hemophilia treatment often involves managing iron levels in the body and reducing symptoms of anemia.

9. Bleeding after surgery or dental procedures
Due to the reduced clotting abilities, those with hemophilia may also experience difficulties with surgery or dental procedures. The condition presents a higher risk for complications, as one may experience bleeding for extended periods after a blood draw or simple dental procedures.

10. Bleeding into the brain
Among those with severe hemophilia, a simple bump on the head could lead to internal bleeding in the brain. This symptom must be addressed immediately. Signs of bleeding into the brain may include painful or prolonged headaches, repeated vomiting, sleepiness or lethargy, double vision, sudden weakness or clumsiness, convulsions, or seizures.

11. Delayed healing
Lastly, due to the improper formation of blood clots, those with hemophilia may also take a longer time to heal. This may increase their risk of experiencing pain and contracting infections.

If left untreated, hemophilia could increase the risk of health complications such as:
– Deep internal bleeding in the muscle, potentially causing swelling, numbness, or pain
– Bleeding into the throat or neck, affecting the ability to breathe
– Damage to the joints due to extreme pressure, leading to arthritis or destruction of the joint
– Contracting viral infections such as Hepatitis C

Recognizing and addressing these warning signs of hemophilia can help in getting an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While the condition has no known cure, timely medical intervention and management can help in relieving certain symptoms and lowering the risk of further complications.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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11 worst cities for people with migraines

It is estimated that 15% of people in the country deal with migraine attacks, making it a prevalent health condition. While migraine attacks may have various underlying causes, environmental factors like unfavorable climatic conditions and high air pollution levels can contribute to their development. This is why those with the condition should consider such factors before moving to a new city. So, here are some of the worst cities in the country for people with migraines: 1. Miami, Florida Situated close to the Atlantic Ocean, Miami has a 16% probability of hurricanes in any given year. Those vulnerable to migraines can experience severe attacks during tropical storms owing to low atmospheric pressure. So, Miami is not a favorable city for those already prone to such attacks. 2. Elizabeth, New Jersey The Department of Transportation data classifies Elizabeth as the noisiest city nationwide, primarily due to its proximity to the Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal. It has been established that constant exposure to high decibel levels can cause neurovascular problems, contributing to the onset of headaches and migraines. So, it is best to avoid relocating to Elizabeth if one is susceptible to migraines. 3. Phoenix, Arizona This city’s climate is characterized by extremely high temperatures, which often cross 100 degrees during summer. Such high temperatures can worsen the neurological condition and trigger migraine attacks. So, places with more steady temperature levels are better options to consider for dealing with the condition. 4. St. Louis, Missouri This densely populated city is also prone to highly unstable weather conditions, making it unfavorable for those with migraines. So, it could be warm and sunny one day in St. Louis and snowing the next. Studies have demonstrated the association between a drop in barometric pressure due to changing weather conditions and imbalances of serotonin and other brain chemicals, which can worsen migraine-induced headaches.  5. New York City, New York Although considered the hub of development, art, diversity, shopping, and entertainment, New York City is also the hotspot for high air and noise pollution, elevated stress levels, extremely bright lights, and overpopulation. All of these factors significantly increase the risk of developing migraine headaches and should be avoided by those with the condition. 6. Bakersfield, California Studies suggest that exposure to air pollutants such as lead, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter can increase the risk of migraines. With an annual particulate matter level of 2.5, Bakersfield is regarded as one of the most polluted cities in the country, making the environment there likely to trigger or worsen aggravate migraines. 7. Fairbanks, Alaska Fairbanks typically witnesses extremely cold temperatures, which often reach -66 degrees Fahrenheit. Such drastic drop in temperature levels is associated with chemical and electrical changes in the brain, increasing the risk of migraine attacks. So, those prone to migraines should consider the temperature of Fairbanks before moving to the city. 8. New Orleans, Louisiana This city has been found to have the highest humidity levels in the country, with an average humidity of 86%. High humidity levels can increase the risk of migraine attacks, especially during summer. So, those with migraines living in New Orleans may be at a higher risk of more frequent migraine episodes. 9. Los Angeles, California Known as the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles is immensely popular among locals and tourists owing to its museums, movie studios, theme parks, and other attractions. On the flip side, it is highly congested, characterized by slow-moving traffic and high smog levels, which can increase stress levels among the working population and worsen migraines for those already prone to it. It is also known for its excessive noise pollution and perpetually high brightness, which can also contribute to discomfort and headaches among those with migraines. 10. Houston, Texas Houston, the cultural capital of the south, ranks as the second-noisiest city in the country and can adversely affect those prone to migraines. Chronic exposure to such high noise levels can worsen headaches, particularly among those dealing with migraine attacks. So, those with the condition who are living in Houston may consider moving to a quieter locality in this city. 11. Oakridge, Oregon Oakridge is classified as among the most polluted cities in the country, particularly owing to wildfire smoke, old woodstoves, and burning green, which are prevalent in the region. Wood smoke consists of soot particles, which are harmful to the respiratory system and can trigger or worsen migraine attacks.  

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