{"id":9246,"date":"2019-08-17T10:33:23","date_gmt":"2019-08-17T10:33:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=9246"},"modified":"2021-06-21T18:25:17","modified_gmt":"2021-06-21T18:25:17","slug":"16-common-signs-of-hemophilia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/16-common-signs-of-hemophilia\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Common Signs of Hemophilia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Hemophilia is a disorder of the blood. Those who have this condition either do not have or have low levels of clotting factors in their blood. Clotting factors are proteins found within the blood that, together with platelets (small blood cells), help blood clot. Clotting (also referred to as \u201ccoagulation\u201d) is crucial, as it prevents excessive blood loss. When a blood vessel becomes injured, clotting factors and platelets immediately start working together to form a clot at the site of the injured blood vessel, thereby stopping the flow of blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In people who have hemophilia, however, clotting is slowed, as they lack or do not have a sufficient amount of clotting factors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hemophilia is a genetic condition; typically, it\u2019s inherited, but it can also develop after birth, though this is rare. There is no cure for hemophilia; it is a chronic, serious condition, but with proper treatment, it can be managed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Severe, unexplained bruising. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A bruise occurs when capillaries<\/a>, small blood vessels, underneath the skin become injured and burst. The blood released by the damaged capillaries becomes trapped underneath the surface of the skin, which causes a blackish, blue mark to appear (hence why bruises are often called \u2018black and blues\u2019). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bruises are common and anyone can develop them at any age; however, in people who have hemophilia, bruises can occur much more frequently, and they can be much more intense than they would be in individuals who have the appropriate amount of clotting factors in their blood. For example, an injury that would only cause a minor bruise in a non-hemophiliac may cause an extensive bruise in a hemophiliac. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, hemophiliacs can develop bruises as a result of things that would not normally cause bruises; pants rubbing against the hips or carrying a bag across a shoulder, for example. 
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2. Excessive bleeding.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because people who are affected by hemophilia <\/a>either completely lack or do not have enough clotting factors in their blood, they experience excessive bleeding. As mentioned above, clotting factors work together with platelets to create clots at the site of an injury. Clotting is extremely important, as it prevents excessive blood loss. There are a total of 13 clotting factors, and hemophiliacs are either missing or do not have enough of three of these factors; <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Factor VII, Factor IX, or Factor XI. As a result, when these individuals experience an injury, their blood cannot clot quickly enough, which can cause excessive bleeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both major and minor injuries can cause excessive bleeding in hemophiliacs; something that might cause slight bleeding in a person who has all and adequate amounts of all 13 clotting factors \u2013 a paper cut, for example \u2013 can cause extreme bleeding in someone who has hemophilia. 
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3. Frequent nosebleeds.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The blood vessels<\/a> within the nose are located extremely close to the surface; this fact, combined with the location of the nose, make nosebleeds a relatively common occurrence. In other words, nosebleeds can happen to anyone. There are a variety of factors that can lead to nosebleeds; injuries to the nose, exposure to dry, hot, environmental conditions, high altitudes, colds, sinusitis (sinus infections), excessive and\/or vigorous nose blowing, nose picking, allergies, high blood pressure, and exposure to chemical irritants are just some of the causes of a bloody nose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, a bloody nose isn\u2019t a cause for concern; however, when they occur frequently, they can be a sign of a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of the absence or reduced amount of clotting factors in hemophiliacs, nosebleeds can occur on a frequent basis.  They can come on suddenly, happen for no apparent reason, and be severe.   
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4. Joint pain.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Excessive bleeding, unexplained bleeding<\/a>, and bruising are all common and obvious symptoms that are associated with hemophilia, as individuals who suffer from this condition lack clotting factors in their blood; however, there is another common sign of hemophilia that may not seem obvious: joint pain. Hemophiliacs can experience bleeding within any part of their body, including the spaces between their joints. As blood fills the space, it can put intense pressure on the joints, which can lead to a significant amount of pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pain can become so severe that it can limit mobility. Bleeding in the spaces between the joints can occur after an injury, or it can occur for no apparent reason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to medical experts, joint pain is one of the most common signs of hemophilia. If you are experiencing joint pain, along with any of the other symptoms listed, you may have hemophilia.  
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5. Stiff joints.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, bleeding between the joints is one of the most common signs of hemophilia. This bleeding not only causes pain, but it can also cause stiffness <\/a>in the joints; especially when bleeding within the spaces between the joints occurs frequently. Frequent bleeding between the joints can lead to chronic swelling within the space, as blood flow puts high levels of pressure on the joints. As a result of this swelling, the joints can become deformed; more specifically, the cartilage that surrounds the bones that come together in the joints can become damaged and deformed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cartilage cushions and absorbs shock in the bones that form joints; when it is damaged and deformed, stiffness can occur. This stiffness can be painful and can reduce mobility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joints that are most commonly affected include the knees, elbows, and ankles; however, any joint can become stiff as a result of hemophilia. 
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6. Irritability.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hemophilia not only affects physical health; it can also affect mental and emotional health. As mentioned above, this condition can cause joint pain and stiffness. The pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility that an individual experiences can be so off-putting that it can lead to mood changes; most commonly, it can cause irritability<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People of any age who are affected by hemophilia can become highly irritable; but children and infants are more likely to exhibit this symptom. The reason? \u2013 Young children and babies are not able to articulate the pain and discomfort that they may be experiencing, and as a result, they can become irritable. They may cry more than usual, be quick to anger, and may just seem overall unhappy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because hemophilia can affect people of all ages and symptoms can present as early as infancy, if your child is highly irritable, hemophilia could be the underlying cause. 
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7. Bloody urine.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blood in the urine <\/a>is another common symptom that is associated with hemophilia. This condition can cause spontaneous and unexplained bleeding in any part of the body, including the internal organs, such as the kidneys and liver. If these organs are affected, any bleeding that is occurring within them will be expelled in the urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bloody urine isn\u2019t always a sign of hemophilia, however; it can also be associated with infections, such as a kidney or urinary tract infection, which do require proper diagnoses and treatment, as these conditions can become very dangerous if they go untreated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, if you are experiencing blood in the urine, and any of the other symptoms listed here, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible, as there is a chance that you may have hemophilia. Bloody urine appears pinkish in color or contains red streaks. 
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8. Oral bleeding.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another symptom that is commonly associated with hemophilia is oral \u2013 mouth \u2013 bleeding. Because individuals who are afflicted with this condition lack or do not have sufficient amounts of certain clotting factors in their blood, clotting is slowed when an injury is sustained. As a result, even minor injuries can cause bleeding, including injuries within the mouth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like the nose, the capillaries of the mouth are situated close to the surface, including the gums and tongue<\/a>. As a result, if the gums or tongue are injured in any way, they can bleed, and that bleeding can be excessive. Tooth brushing or flossing, for example, can lead to bleeding. The bleeding may seem to occur randomly, and the amount of blood loss can be excessive. Oral bleeding isn\u2019t always a sign of hemophilia; however, if your gums or tongue are bleeding on a regular basis, see your medical doctor.\u00a0
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