Home - Health - Hemophilia – Its Types, Symptoms, And Management

Hemophilia – Its types, symptoms, and management

Hemophilia – Its types, symptoms, and management

Hemophilia is a group of congenital or acquired bleeding disorders where the blood takes time to clot. People with this disorder may bleed longer if they have an injury or surgery. According to the CDC, about 30,000 to 32,000 people in the country suffer from hemophilia. Contrary to popular belief, this is treatable if the condition is diagnosed and treated on time. Other important facts and information about hemophilia are as follows:

What is hemophilia?
A clotting factor is a protein in our blood that controls bleeding. If our blood does not have adequate quantities of this protein, it takes time for the blood to clot. Normally, in the case of any injury, trauma, or surgery, bleeding stops right after first aid, dressing, or once the doctors suture the site. However, in a person with hemophilia, the bleeding may continue for a long time and may need attention and treatment. The clotting factors that affect blood clotting are VIII, IX, and XI. Hemophilia is classified based on which clotting factor is lacking in the affected person.

Types of hemophilia
The type of hemophilia a person has is based on what clotting factors their body lacks. There are three types of hemophilia. They are Hemophilia A, B, and C. While Hemophilia A is more common, types B and C are rare.

  • Hemophilia A
    Hemophilia A or classic hemophilia happens when a mutation in the F8 gene results in lower production of clotting factor VIII or FVIII. It is predominantly an inherited condition. FVIII is found in the X chromosome, and as a result, it affects men more than women.
  • Hemophilia B
    If a person has none or insufficient blood clotting factor IX, or FIX, the condition is hemophilia B and is also referred to as Christmas disease. It occurs when there is a mutation in the gene f9, which is found in the X chromosome. As a result, men are at a higher risk than women.
  • Hemophilia C
    If a person has low blood clotting factor XI or FXI, the condition is classified as Hemophilia C. It is also known as Rosenthal Syndrome. FXI is found in the F11 gene located on chromosome 4. Men and women inherit two copies of chromosome 4, and both are at risk if they inherit a defective gene. Though hemophilia C is predominantly inherited, autoimmune diseases like lupus can also cause it.

Three forms of hemophilia A, B, and C
The three forms of hemophilia A, B, and C are mild, moderate, and severe. The form never changes till the end. A person with a moderate or severe form of hemophilia will remain so forever. However, if a person has a mild form of type A, their bodies could produce more FVIII as they age.

Symptoms

Hemophilia A and B
The symptoms of type A and B are very similar. Severe hemophilia can be diagnosed early within the first year of a child’s birth. Doctors monitor infants closely if anyone in the family has a history of hemophilia. Babies may develop bruises and unusual swelling after birth or sometimes within one year. They may also have excessive bruising after immunization. As they grow and begin to play, they may bruise easily, even with slight knocks or falls. Boys may bleed longer after circumcision or tooth extraction. Other symptoms of hemophilia A and B in adults include:

  • Pain and swelling in joints and muscles
  • Easy bruising
  • Frequent nosebleeds
  • Bloody urine
  • Long hours of bleeding after tooth extraction or a heel prick

Hemophilia C
The symptoms in type C are generally milder, and there is a lesser risk of internal or spontaneous bleeding.

Diagnosis of hemophilia
Doctors physically examine the patient and check for bruises or any unusual bleeding. They also prescribe blood tests to check the activity levels of clotting factors. Using the blood tests, doctors will also classify if the person has mild, moderate, or severe Hemophilia A, B, or C.

Treatment and management of hemophilia

  • Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B
    Doctors regularly inject FVIII or FVIII intravenously or directly into the bloodstream. Doctors may also administer FVIII or FIX as a preventive measure for those with severe Hemophilia A or B.
  • Hemophilia C
    Doctors administer antifibrinolytics to slow down the breakdown of fibrin. They may also administer frozen plasma or concentrated FXI.

For all types of hemophilia, doctors may administer the clotting factors regularly or when bleeding happens. Apart from administering clotting factors, other processes and therapies that are used to treat hemophilia are:

  • Hormone therapies
    Doctors use hormone therapies for mild forms of hemophilia. They inject the hormone through a vein or a nasal spray, simulating the production of the relevant clotting factor.
  • Prescriptions
    There are some newer approaches to treat hemophilia A, using prescriptions by doctors that prevent bleeding. Doctors also use antifibrinolytics to prevent the breaking down of clots.
  • Fibrin sealants
    Fibrin sealants are surgical formulations applied to injury sites to aid clotting and healing.
  • Physical therapy
    Physical therapy can help relieve pain caused by bleeding in joints and muscles.

Hemophilia is a treatable condition when diagnosed and treated on time. It is essential to speak to a doctor if one notices any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

Previous Read

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.

Next Read

5 myths about sunglasses debunked

Sunglasses not only help protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays but also add aesthetic appeal to the overall appearance. With the right sunglasses, you can pull off any look and, at the same time, maintain eye health. One can opt for polarized sunglasses for the beach day or classic aviators for a brunch date. However, there are many myths about the usage of sunglasses, which unfortunately leads to vision damage. Let's debunk the following four myths: Myth 1 - Children don't need sunglasses One common myth amongst adults is that children don't particularly need sunglasses for protection as adults do. Research shows that the lens of a child allows more UV rays to penetrate through their sensitive retina than in adults. Once you begin to protect the eyes from a nascent stage, you can prevent some eye-related issues from developing as your child grows. Some sunglasses for kids are ambiguous about the features and merely state that they offer protection from ultraviolet rays. Please do not buy them unless it clearly states they provide 100% protection from UV rays. Myth 2 - Cheap sunglasses don't offer protection Higher the prices, better the quality. This is a general belief that is also applied to eyewear. Cheaper sunglasses, as long as they offer 100% protection from UV rays, are as effective as expensive ones. A range of affordable brands in the market offer good-quality sunglasses. You can also customize one for specific purposes, but it comes with a cost. For instance, Oakley sunglasses are world famous for being tested in harsh physical conditions, and they undergo velocity and various tests. They also offer polarized and iridium lenses. Myth 3 - Sunglasses are meant for sunny days It is common to associate sunglasses with sunny summers, where exposure to the sun is maximum. Irrespective of the season, exposure of the eyes to direct sunlight should be limited as UV rays pass through clouds. When you expose your eyes to sunlight for an extended period, you also risk developing cataracts and eye cancer. One might brush aside the impact of rays on a rather cloudy day. Make sure you apply sunblock and wear sunglasses when you step out. Research shows a specific scattering effect of light on certain cloudy days can increase your exposure to harmful UV rays. Wear your sunglasses in summer, spring, fall, and winter. Snow blindness is a type of photokeratitis wherein the thin surface of the corneas begins to freeze due to the sun's reflection on ice or snow. Make sure your eyes are protected when it is snowing too. You can choose from a wide range of chic winter shades. Myth 4 - Darker tinted sunglasses offer better protection A major preconceived notion amongst people is that darker shades offer better protection from sun rays. The darker tinted sunglasses are the best-selling products during peak summer. However, the UV protection coating truly matters, not the shade. Check the label before blindly buying darker tinted sunglasses. You can purchase the glasses if the packaging clearly states that it offers 100% protection from UV-A and UV-B rays. While choosing darker shades is a personal preference, ensure that the glasses offer UV protection. Polarized lenses help with better vision and protection. You can check out the Oakley website for various tints and shades offered. Please read the descriptions and the conditions mentioned under each product category. Myth 5 - All sunglasses provide UV protection Sunglasses with tinted, polarized lenses do not always protect from UV rays. One can get them customized for protection. In fact, those dark sunglasses without UV protection may affect the pupil due to blocking out light and allowing harmful rays to enter the eyes. Oakley sunglasses Oakley is one of the most trusted sunglasses brands in the market. Every lens goes through the highest standard velocity tests, and the brand offers some of the most robust frames. They have top-quality scratch-resistant lenses; even if they get scratched, the UV rays will not penetrate through the lens. All of the lenses undergo quality testing. They block 100% of blue light rays, UVA, and UVB rays. They have specific frames for motorsports, cycling, driving, and other activities. While Oakley sunglasses are popular amongst athletes, you can find a range of designs for daily use. Some popular sunglasses from Oakley include: Frogskins Mainlink XL EVZero Blades Radar EV Pitch Sutro Lite Jawbreaker Split Shot Holbrook Plazma Oakley sunglasses for kids Oakley's colorful collection of youth sunglasses is duly tested to protect your kids' delicate eyes. The brand has recognized early on that exposure to direct sunlight at a young age can lead to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). They have ultramarine, purple, and orange tints, and you can view first-hand customer reviews on the website. You can add prescription lenses to all the youth fit models. Some popular Oakley kids sunglasses include: Radar EV XS Holbrook XS Flax XS Frogskins XS Turbine XS Make sure to get your eyes tested periodically and practice eye exercises. Maintaining eye health at a young age can prevent eye-related disorders and vision degradation.

Trending Articles

01

Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
02

What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
03

Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
04

Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

Our Blogs

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

ADHD, short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects children worldwide, and this also often carries on into their adulthood. Some of the different problems faced by kids suffering from ADHD include sustaining attention for a long time, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. There might be other problems associated with ADHD, like low self-esteem, low grades in school, and difficulty in keeping up with relationships. More often than not, symptoms of ADHD are seen to have decreased with age. However, there are cases wherein ADHD symptoms never subside. Levels of ADHD There are three different levels or stages at which ADHD can affect individuals. They are: Predominantly inattentive ADHD This level of ADHD may be related to missing details very easily and getting distracted often. Also, one may get bored very quickly. One has difficulty in processing new information, and there is also the tendency to not listen properly. One might not be able to follow directions very clearly and also lose things like pencils or papers. It has been observed that girls are more likely to get inattentive ADHD than boys. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD This is mostly associated with symptoms like restlessness and difficulty with sitting still. Kids suffering from hyperactive-impulsive ADHD have a tendency to talk consistently, and it’s less likely that they will engage in quiet activities.
Read More
Understanding skin aging

Understanding skin aging

Changes in the skin are one of the biggest signs that the body is aging. But how the aging of skin takes place depends on a lot of factors such as our diet, lifestyle habits, stress levels, and the like. For example, if you smoke regularly, it can lead to the production of free radicals, which damage healthy skin cells and cause wrinkles. So, let’s dig a little deeper into skin aging so that you can diagnose it and prevent it for as long as possible. Stages of skin aging As you age, you will start noticing changes in your skin. These changes take place in phases or stages. Learning about these phases can allow you to take better care of your skin and stay away from everything that can prove to be harmful to it. So, these stages of skin aging are: Stage I – Between 25 and 35 years This is the time when your skin will look extremely voluminous to you. But, this is also the time when the early signs of aging will start to appear. Therefore, it is important that you follow a good skincare regime. Some wrinkles can start appearing on the forehead. Lines can also start to appear on the face when you make normal expressions such as laughing, smiling, or frowning.
Read More
Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

There are three terms that one can relate to addiction – reward, motivation, and memory. Addiction is when the body craves a behavior or substance in an obsessive pursuit of a reward. The person will have little concern about the consequences of the particular behavior or substance. Things to note in case of addiction Some of the attributes that one can relate with addiction include an inability to stay away from the substance, lack of self-control, an outrageous desire for the substance or behavior, ignorance towards the problems that the behavior might be causing, and a growing tendency to ignore the emotional response. Addictions have been known to interfere with daily life and there are also cases of relapse and remission. The complications of addiction can be physical, emotional, as well as financial. Stages of addiction There are five main stages of addiction. These include: Experimentation Every addiction starts with experimentation and during this stage, one cannot understand that this is the beginning of an addiction. One cannot be sure that this will turn into something serious, and hence no necessary steps are taken at this stage. A simple way to find out how this will turn into addiction is understanding the reason for experimenting and how often a person experiments with new substances.
Read More
Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Incurring debt is really common in this age and era as everything has become extremely expensive, from college education to owing a house. If you ever feel that your debt is too large and you may not be able to pay it in time, then you can seek the help of a debt settlement company. These companies essentially communicate with your creditor to try and lower your debt and the rest of it is typically forgiven. Given below is a list of the top 9 debt settlement companies in the USA. National Debt Relief If you have USD 7,500 or more in debt, then the National Debt Relief can be a great choice for you. It is one of the most prominent debt settlement companies in the country. The initial consultation is offered for free, but you will have to pay 15-25% of the settled debt amount as a fee. Freedom Debt Relief This a dedicated company that offers debt relief services to people who have at minimum USD 7,500 to USD 10,000 in debt. 15-25% of the settle debt amount is charged as fee once a settlement is negotiated, and in return, they offer the possibility of settling the debt within 24-48 months.
Read More
Allergies – Stages and prevention

Allergies – Stages and prevention

The immune system of our bodies is constantly fighting against viruses and bacteria to keep us healthy. However, in certain cases, the immune system may also end up fighting some substances that are not always harmful. When this happens, you experience an allergic reaction. The allergens are the substances that cause the reactions. With a little carefulness, you can prevent the allergies effectively. The allergic development Even though an allergic reaction can vary from person to person, it generally progresses in the same five stages: Stage 1 The allergen enters your body through food, air, or touch, and contact the cells in your body. Stage 2 Your immune system creates immunoglobulin E, which is a type of antibody. Stage 3 This antibody enters your gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract but does not do anything. Stage 4 The next time when you are exposed to the same allergen, the immunoglobulin E treats it as a harmful substance and reacts with it. Stage 5 24 hours after the reaction, the immune system cells move towards the areas that were affected to release certain chemicals to treat it. How to diagnose allergies Your allergies can be diagnosed by a doctor. Before visiting him or her, you must recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Read More
Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia is a kind of medical condition in which an adequate amount of oxygen fails to reach one’s body’s tissues owing to the deficiency of red blood cells in their body. When one suffers from this condition, their body feels weak and exhausted all the time. Symptoms There are different kinds of anemia and each of them has a cause of its own. It can have short-term or long-term effects and the disease can be mild or severe in nature. If one sees any symptoms suggesting that point toward anemia, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately. The signs vary from person to person and depend on the cause or their origin. Sometimes, the chronic disease causes anemia and the doctor ends up diagnosing the disease but the fact that one is suffering from anemia does not show up in the test. Sometimes, there are mild symptoms and then, with time the symptoms become more prominent indicating that the disease has penetrated one’s body more deeply. Some of the commonly found symptoms include breathing difficulties, fatigue, pale skin, chest pain, headache, dizziness, hands and feet turning cold, irregular heartbeat, and pain in the chest . Types of anemia Iron deficiency anemia This is the most common kind of anemia, which occurs due to iron deficiency.
Read More