What is Hemophilia?

Hemophilia is a group of inherited blood disorders in which the blood does not clot properly. Patients with hemophilia lack the ability to stop bleeding because of the low levels, or complete absence, of specific proteins, called factors, in their blood that are necessary for clotting. Bleeding disorders are due to defects in the blood vessels, the coagulation mechanism, or the blood platelets.

fig1

An affected individual may bleed spontaneously or for longer than a healthy person after injury or surgery. The blood coagulation mechanism is a process which transforms the blood from a liquid into a solid, and involves several different clotting factors. The mechanism generates fibrin when it is activated, which together with the platelet plug, stops the bleeding.

1721076

When coagulation factors are missing or deficient the blood does not clot properly and bleeding continues.

Preventing Bleeding Episodes.

Many people who have hemophilia know when they are bleeding even before there are many symptoms.

People who have hemophilia can help prevent bleeding episodes by choosing appropriate exercises that keep their muscles and joints in good shape. Exercise helps keep muscles flexible and strong and helps control weight, lessening the likelihood of a bleeding episode.

Stretching and warming up with a few minutes of gentle exercise are important because muscles will be less likely to be pulled or torn and therefore less likely to bleed.

Follow your doctor’s directions to take non-prescription medicine for pain relief. You might have pain caused by bleeding into the muscles and joints. Pain is a common problem, and it is necessary to try to control it carefully.

Medicines that people with hemophilia should not take include the following:

  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin
  • Medicines that contain salicylate. This ingredient is closely related to aspirin. Alka-Seltzer, Pepto-Bismol, and many cough medicines contain salicylates.
  • Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as Aleve. These medicines are designed to reduce swelling and reduce pain.

Culled from: medicalnewstoday.com

1 COMMENT

Comments are closed.