Saturday 17th April was World Haemophilia Day which raises awareness of haemophilia, von Willebrand disease and other inherited bleeding disorders.
What is Haemophillia?
Haemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly, caused when blood does not have enough clotting factor (Haemophilia Foundation Australia, 2020).
Bleeding is most commonly internal, usually into the joints or muscles. These bleeding episodes may occur spontaneously, without any obvious cause, or as a result of trauma or injury. Speciailised treatment is needed to help blood clot normally.
What are the complications?
If internal bleeding is not stopped quickly with treatment, it will result in pain and swelling. Over a period of time bleeding into the joints and muscles can cause permanent damage such as arthritis, chronic pain and joint damage requiring surgery (Haemophilia Foundation Australia, 2020).
How is haemophilia diagnosed?
If haemophilia is suspected, blood tests can measure the levels of clotting factors. These tests can show the type and severity of the disease (Health Direct, 2021).