This condition is an illness that can cause very rare bleeding. Hence, it can run in the family where the blood clotting is not normal. Therefore, it can lead to continuous bleeding. It may happen after an injury or surgery. The following are important facts and myths about hemophilia.
1. The Types
Two of the most common types are A and B. This blood problem occurs because of the lack of a particular protein essential for blood clotting. A lack of clotting factor VIII causes the A, and the B is IX. The problem in the blood differs from one person to another. Hence, the condition can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number of factor levels lacking in the blood.
2. The Statistics
It is an unusual blood problem that may happen in 1 out of 5,000 births. The A-type is four times more common than the B, and a half maybe a severe form. According to statistics, about 400,000 people around the world are suffering from this disease. Also, 20,000 of those are living in the United States.
3. The Best Cure
The truth is that there is no definite cure for hemophilia. However, treatment for it has come a long way. One of the most available treatments is replacement therapy. The process involves giving clotting factors that lack in your blood. Therefore, patients regularly do this therapy to avoid hemophilia symptoms.
4. Common Signs
Hemophilia symptoms vary, but the most common are:
- There is bleeding in the joint area like knees, elbows, and ankles. As a result, some may feel pain and swelling in the affected area.
- Skin bleeding is another sign that can cause huge bruises in the skin.
- There is bleeding inside the mouth and gums.
- A person may also bleed right after an injection or even a tiny prick from a needle.
- Blood in the stool.
- Frequent episodes of nosebleeds.
5. Family History
Since one of the most common hemophilia causes is genetic, a family with a history of it requests a test after a baby boy’s birth. One way to know if a baby boy has it is through a screening test. Also, the test may show the seriousness of the illness. For instance, the test shows if the baby has mild, moderate, or severe.
6. The C Type
There is another type, C, that is considered less severe than A and B. Hence, signs may only happen after surgery or any dental procedure. Also, people with C do not need regular therapy for clotting factor IVs. Additionally, the C affects both make and females.
7. Carries of the Illness
The illness is common in males, but females can become a carrier of the disease.
Aside from facts, there are lots of myths about the illness and hemophilia causes.
8. Bleeding to Death
Some think that a cut may cause excessive bleeding that can lead to death. However, it will never happen as the patient will only bleed longer than a normal person. Therefore, a simple cut or bruise is not a cause of concern. A bandied can help lessen the bleeding. Also, a first-aid remedy, which is rest, ice, compression, and elevation, is a huge help.
9. Similar Level of Clotting Factor
Another common myth is that all patients have the same level of deficiency, which is wrong. The level of factor, as explained earlier, differs according to the type. Also, people with this illness vary in the level of seriousness.
10. Family History is the Cause
It is not true that those with a family history of the disease can have it. The change in genes and defects like mutation is a huge factor in having the illness. Therefore, anyone may have this illness even without a family history. According to researches, one-third of cases have no family background.
With advancements in the medical field, people with this illness may live a normal and comfortable life. Also, they do not have to go through long-term joint issues. Hence, studies are very important for future generations to come. Patients taking part in these studies are very important to find a specific cure for the illness. The good news is that many clinical trials may find a cure for it in the future.
