Sunday 17th April is Work Hemophilia Day.
Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly, making it difficult to control bleeding (Australian Hemophilia Foundation, 2021).
When a blood vessel is injured, special proteins in the blood called ‘clotting factors’ control blood loss. People with hemophilia have lower than normal levels of this clotting factor (Health Direct, 2022).
Signs and Symptoms:
Mild hemophilia (5% – 40% of normal clotting factor level):
- Generally bleeding problems following an injury, teeth removal, surgery or medical procedures that pierce the skin;
- May never have a bleeding problem requiring medical attention;
- May not be diagnosed until later in life if not playing contact sports and have not had any injuries or operations;
- Females might also have bleeding problems with periods (menstruation) or childbirth;
Moderate symptoms (1% – 5% of normal clotting factor level):
- May have bleeding problems with minor injuries, such as sporting injuries;
- Likely to have bleeding problems after having teeth taken out, surgery, medical procedures and/or a bad injury;
- Occasionally have a bleeding episode for no obvious reason (‘spontaneous bleeds’);
Severe hemophilia (Less than 1% of normal clotting factor level):
- Often have bleeds into joints, muscles and soft tissues;
- Can have bleeding episodes for no obvious reason (‘spontaneous bleeds’) as well as after surgery, dental work or injuries including minor bumps and knocks;
Diagnosis:
Hemophilia is generally diagnosed through assessing your symptoms, family history and laboratory tests.
Treatment:
Care and treatment for people with hemophilia involves a team of specialist health professionals.
Treatment may involve clotting factor concentrates, hormones and medications.