Hemophilia is a genetic disorder causing insufficient blood clotting, leading to prolonged bleeding. Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure clotting factors, with treatment options including replacement, prophylactic, and demand therapies. Preventive measures focus on lifestyle adjustments to minimize bleeding risks. Early diagnosis and proper management improve quality of life for those affected.

Overview of Hemophilia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Approaches

Hemophilia is a hereditary condition characterized by insufficient clotting factors in the blood, resulting in prolonged bleeding episodes. The body's natural clotting process involves platelets and clotting factors creating a stable clot to stop bleeding. When these factors are deficient or missing, bleeding continues longer than normal. Approximately 20,000 individuals in the country live with hemophilia. Diagnosis is performed through blood tests measuring clotting factor levels and is classified as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the deficiency percentage.

When to Seek Medical Help

If experiencing severe headaches, ongoing vomiting, neck stiffness, blurred vision, excessive drowsiness, or uncontrolled bleeding, immediate medical attention is crucial. Pregnant women showing these symptoms should consult healthcare providers without delay.

Options for Hemophilia Treatment

Replacement Therapy: Providing missing clotting factors via blood-derived or synthetic (recombinant) options. Recombinant products are preferred for safety and infection risk reduction, administered through injections or IV.

Prophylactic Therapy: Regular infusions of clotting factors to prevent bleeding episodes, especially important for severe cases.

On-Demand Therapy: Administered during active bleeding when natural control is inadequate.

Additional Interventions: Use of anti-fibrinolytics to inhibit clot breakdown, topical fibrin sealants for wound management, and hepatitis vaccinations for A and B to prevent infections.

Preventive Strategies for Hemophilia

Although a cure is unavailable, certain practices can minimize bleeding risks:

Engage in gentle, regular exercise

Avoid medications like aspirin, NSAIDs, and heparin that heighten bleeding risk

Maintain proper dental hygiene

Receive prophylactic clotting factor infusions to reduce bleeding episodes