{"id":9075,"date":"2019-08-16T11:37:09","date_gmt":"2019-08-16T11:37:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=9075"},"modified":"2021-06-21T13:38:48","modified_gmt":"2021-06-21T13:38:48","slug":"14-general-symptoms-of-hemophilia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-general-symptoms-of-hemophilia\/","title":{"rendered":"14 General Symptoms of Hemophilia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the blood. Those who are afflicted with this condition lack two clotting factors \u2013 Factor VII or Factor IX \u2013 proteins within the blood that work in combination with platelets to stop bleeding. Hemophiliacs don\u2019t produce enough of these clotting factors, and as a result, their blood does not have the ability to properly clot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, hemophilia is a genetic disorder or something that occurs as a result of an alteration in the genes; as such, the condition is either passed on from family member to family member (parents can pass it onto their children, for example), or the genetic change occurred during fetal development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hemophilia predominately affects males; females can also be affected, but it\u2019s extremely rare Because hemophilia affects blood clotting, it\u2019s a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you experience the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Excessive external bleeding. <\/strong>
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When someone suffers an injury that breaks through the skin, bleeding naturally occurs. Under normal circumstances, the blood begins to clot immediately, thanks to the proteins, or clotting factors, mentioned about \u2013 Factor VII and Factor X. In individuals who are afflicted with hemophilia<\/a>, however, clotting is extremely slowed or ineffective, as they lack sufficient levels of these proteins. As a result, even minor injuries can lead to excessive bleeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tiny scratches and scarps can lead to massive amounts of blood loss. If you notice that any small injuries you sustain \u2013 paper cuts, tine scratches, etc \u2013 are bleeding a lot more and a lot longer than they should, there is a chance you could have hemophilia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because excessive blood loss is extremely dangerous and can be life-threatening, it is important that you seek immediate emergency medical care; do not, under any circumstances, put off seeing a doctor. 
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2. Bloody gums.<\/strong> 
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Like any other part of the body, the gums can sustain injuries and bleed. Often, it isn\u2019t a major concern, as it can be the result of brushing with excessive force (though heavy brushing is not recommended). However, if you notice that your gums are bleeding after brushing your teeth with gentle pressure, flossing, or even after eating, there is a chance that you could be affected by hemophilia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the gums of a hemophiliac are damaged, even slightly, they can easily bleed, and it can take an extensive amount of time for the bleeding <\/a>to stop. Again, this is because the blood lacks the proper amount of clotting factors, which results in excessive bleeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your gums are bleeding on a regular basis, there\u2019s a chance that it could be related to a dental health problem; however, it could also be a sign of hemophilia. 
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3. Unexplained bleeding.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another sign that is commonly associated with hemophilia is unexplained bleeding. Normally, when someone begins bleeding, they know where the site of the injury is and it can be explained; they fell and scraped their leg, cut themselves shaving, sliced themselves with a knife, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, patients who are affected by hemophilia often report that they experience unexplained bleeding; in other words, they notice the appearance of blood, but they don\u2019t know what caused the injury <\/a>that lead to the blood loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are having episodes of bleeding, and you are unable to explain what caused the bleeding, you should schedule an appointment with your health care provider as soon as possible. Something as minor as scratching the surface of the skin with a zipper or a button can cause excessive bleeding in patients who are afflicted with hemophilia, and prompt treatment is absolutely vital. 
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4. Abnormally large bruises.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s normal for people to experience bruises from time-to-time, and depending on the severity of the injury, bruises <\/a>can be extremely large. However, in individuals who lack clotting factors in their blood, excessive contusions can develop even after sustaining a minor bump or fall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contusions occur when the body has experienced some sort of trauma, and that trauma causes the eruption of capillaries, which leads to blood getting trapped underneath the surface of the skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The blood that\u2019s trapped under the skin creates the appearance of a dark bluish-purplish mark. Because a hemophiliacs blood is unable to effectively clot, their skin is often covered with bruises, as capillaries can burst underneath the skin even after a minor abrasion that would cause a slight bruise, if any bruise at all, in someone who possesses adequate levels of Factor VII and Factor X proteins in their blood. 
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5. Unexplained bruises.<\/strong> 
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Like surface bleeding, the appearance of bruises can usually be explained. While it\u2019s true that many people do bump into things without noticing and can develop bruises, for the most part, the source of a large bruise will more than likely be known. In individuals who suffer from hemophilia, however, unexplained bruises are very common. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, a minor abrasion<\/a>, such as their pants rubbing against their hips or carrying a bag across their shoulders, can lead to bruising; things that would not cause bruising in someone who has healthy blood clotting capabilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice that you are covered with bruises on a regular basis and you cannot explain where the bruises are coming from, or if the bruises seem like they are coming from something that should not be causing them, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately for a completely physical examination. 
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6. Bloody stool.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your stool appears darker in color than normal, it may or may not be a cause for concern. Darkened stool can occur when you eat something that is red in color \u2013 beets, for example \u2013 or when you take certain medications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might also notice bloody stool if you have hemorrhoids <\/a>or anal fissures, common conditions that are not usually a major medical problem; however, in these cases, the blood will appear bright red. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice that your blood seems excessively dark or you notice that it is streaked with blood and you have not eaten anything or taken any medications that could have changed the color, or if you are not exhibiting any other signs of hemorrhoids or anal fissures (a burning sensation in your anus, for example), hemophilia could be to blame. This may be a sign of internal bleeding, which is common in hemophiliacs. 
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7. Blood urine.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In females, bloody urine <\/a>is common during menstruation and is not a cause for concern. In males, however, blood urine is alarming and is a cause for concern, as it is not common and is a sign that something is awry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blood in the urine could be associated with an infection, such as a bladder or kidney infection; conditions that do require medical treatment, as they can pose serious health problems if they are left undiagnosed and untreated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blood in the urine can also be a sign of hemophilia. Internal organs, including the kidneys, liver, and bladder, can spontaneously bleed when there adequate amounts of blood clotting factors are not present in the blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should you notice that your urine is pinkish or red in color, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away or go to the emergency room, as prompt medical care is crucial. 
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8. Frequent nosebleeds.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blood noses happen. The nose is full of capillaries, and they can rupture for a number of reasons; frequently blowing the nose as a result of a common cold or allergies<\/a>, exposure to an allergen or a sinus infection are just some of the factors that can lead to a bloody nose. Of course, an injury to the nose can also cause this part of the body to bleed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, nosebleeds every once in a while aren\u2019t a major cause for concern; but, if you nosebleeds are a regular occurrence, and it seems like you are bleeding excessively, you should definitely see your health care provider as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because the nose is so rich in capillaries, even something as small as a minor sneeze or a slight scratch of the nose can cause an extensive bleed in people who are suffering from this blood clotting disorder.
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