Hemophilia Basics

There are several different types of blood disorders that people have-from anemia to hemophilia. Some of these disorders are more severe than others. One type of blood disorder that can be quite...

There are several different types of blood disorders that people have-from anemia to hemophilia. Some of these disorders are more severe than others. One type of blood disorder that can be quite severe is hemophilia. While a person can certainly live a normal life with this condition, it is important that hemophiliacs undergo regular medical treatments and checks ups for their entire life.

Those that suffer from hemophilia are prone bleeding easily. One small injury can result in excessive bleeding and can lead to serious problems. In most cases, hemophilia is inherited. It is more common for boys to inherit this condition from a father or a grandfather. Here is a closer look at the basics of hemophilia.

What exactly is hemophilia? To fully understand why hemophilia can cause so many medical problems, it is important to understand what causes this medical condition. This common blood disorder causes abnormal bleeding-or to put it another way-excessive bleeding, or the absences of clotting. The blood plasma does not have enough protein substance to help the blood clot normally. When the blood cannot clot how it is supposed to, then bleeding out can be a big problem-even under normal circumstances such as minor bumps and bruises.

Types of hemophilia: There are two different types of hemophilia-type A and type B. Hemophilia A is also known as “classic” hemophilia and it occurs in approximately 85 percent of people with this medical condition. Hemophilia B is also commonly known as “Christmas” disease. This is the less common type of hemophilia and occurs in about 15 percent of the hemophilia patients.

The differences between the two: What is the difference between the two types of hemophilia? When you think about the different types of hemophilia, it is important to remember that they are caused by different reasons. Type A is causes by too little plasma protein, which is also called factor VIII. This is what helps the blood clot. In general, a patient can suffer from mild, moderate or severe hemophilia depending on the amount of deficiency he or she has. With type B hemophilia, it is caused by too little protein in the plasma from factor IX. Just as type A, it also is rated as mild, moderate and severe.

Most people know whether or not they will have a child that will suffer from this medical condition. This is because hemophilia is hereditary. If a couple has a child and also has a history of hemophilia, then there is a good chance the child will suffer from it as well. An unborn baby can be tested for hemophilia by a doctor taking an umbilical cord sample and testing it. It is important to remember that if there is no family history of hemophilia, this is not something that a child is normally tested for.

If a person suffers from hemophilia, they will have several symptoms. Heavy bleeding, excessive bruising and bruised and swollen joints and frequent falls are all associated with hemophilia.

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