Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder in which blood clotting is reduced due to lack of blood-clotting protein. Symptoms of this disorder include easy bruising and excessive bleeding when bruised. Be it a minor or a major injury, a simple cut can lead to excessive bleeding, causing medical emergencies. In some cases there are symptoms of spontaneous nose bleeds too. If an individual is experiencing loss of blood, then a proper check-up by a physician is necessary for proper diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment for hemophilia.
1. Diagnosis of hemophilia
If there is a family history of hemophilia, then it is possible to determine if the fetus has been affected by this disorder during pregnancy. But one should never go for the test without the consultation of a doctor as there are risks involved for the fetus.
If symptoms of the disorder appear later in life, a simple blood test can determine whether the child or adult has it.
Moreover, blood tests can identify what kind of hemophilia an individual has and its severity. Mild cases of hemophilia can be detected during adulthood but severe cases are usually detected within the first year of birth.
2. Manage signs and symptoms of hemophilia
Hemophilia treatments are necessary when the disorder is detected in a person otherwise there are risks involved. Stated below are some ways to manage the signs and symptoms of hemophilia.
If a child is suffering from this disorder, extra care and precaution have to be taken by the parents or guardians to prevent the possibility of bleeding such as from cuts and bruises. The treatments methods for hemophilia prescribed and recommended should be followed.
Hemophilia treatment centers (HTC) are available for patients. The medical personnel at these centers provide counseling, training, support, and treatment for the patients and their families. With proper training, one knows how to manage the signs of hemophilia better. Counseling also helps both the affected person and their families. These hemophilia treatment centers have physicians, pediatricians, nurses, social workers, therapists, dentists, orthopedists along with hematologists. It is advisable to go to these treatment centers for an annual check-up even though you are following hemophilia treatments.
Hemophilia treatments include replacement therapy. This is a procedure to replace the specific clotting factor that the patient needs by placing a tube in a vein. This procedure can also be performed at home by trained professionals.
Ice cubes should be immediately applied if the cut or bruise is small. Placing the ice pack on such bruises or cuts, reduces swelling and slows bleeding.
If a minor cut occurs, first-aid should be given immediately. This helps to slow bleeding for minor injuries. Make sure you use the RICE method to give first-aid- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
The bleeding in this disorder can be fatal if it occurs in a vital organ such as the brain. A person suffering from hemophilia should receive immunization against hepatitis A and B as a precaution to ensure that they do not contract any disease from blood.