Hemophilia is a genetic disease that causes abnormal bleeding. Excessive blood loss can be the result of low levels of blood-clotting proteins in the body. Depending on which protein is deficient, you can classify hemophilia into three types. Type A is a consequence of factor VIII deficiency; a deficit of factor IX induces type B and Type C of factor XI.
There is also acquired hemophilia that is associated with cancer, autoimmune disorders, and pregnancy. The delayed clotting can lead to nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and blood in urine and stools. Internal bleeding, however, is a more dangerous symptom. It causes aches and spasms, deep bruising, and swelling in the joints and muscles.
Diagnosis of hemophilia
Blood tests can confirm the presence of hemophilia. When the clotting factor is between 4% and 6% of the standard level, it is mild hemophilia, and moderate hemophilia is between 5% and 1%. The condition is severe if it is less than 1% of the normal level. The treatment for hemophilia includes blood transfusions, replacement therapy, and medication like Desmopressin and Antifibrinolytic medication.
Risk factors of hemophilia
The risk factors of hemophilia are fairly simple to understand. Here are four of them:
1. Gender
Hemophilia is an X-linked recessive disorder. It means the defective gene is present in the X chromosome, and both chromosomes must have a faulty gene. It makes it much more likely for men to suffer from hemophilia. They have only one X chromosome, but the Y chromosome lacks the protective gene that a normal X chromosome has. Women usually act as carriers for the disease. That is, they can transmit the disease to their children but do not exhibit symptoms themselves. But some carriers can have longer than standard clotting times. It holds true for hemophilia A and B. Type C is not X linked and can thus affect men and women equally.
2. Family history
In 70% of the people diagnosed with hemophilia, a close relative also suffers from the disease. A male child is 50% likely to suffer from hemophilia if his mother is a carrier. A female child is 50% likely to be a carrier if her father suffers from the disease. Surprisingly, the son of a hemophilic man is not likely to suffer from the disease. It is because he inherits only a Y chromosome from his father.
3. Comorbidities
Some kinds of malignant cancers can spread to the blood and cause deficiency of the clotting factor. It is called acquired hemophilia. The three other types of this disease are inherited. Autoimmune diseases can also significantly increase the risk of acquired hemophilia. Pregnancy and multiple sclerosis are other factors that make an individual more susceptible to this clotting disorder.
4. Age
Acquired hemophilia is most common in people between 20-30 years and in those above 60.
Hemophilia is a difficult disease to endure. There are many complications like severe internal bleeding, damage to joints, transfusion-related infections, and intracranial hemorrhage. However, lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms. The solution is to lead an active lifestyle, eat healthily, and be careful about not getting into accidents and injuries. Hemophilia can be challenging to manage. Hence, it is important to learn coping mechanisms to deal with the disease’s physical symptoms and the mental and emotional stress associated with it.
