Hemophilia is a rare, inherited bleeding disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly due to a deficiency of certain clotting factors. As a result, individuals with hemophilia experience prolonged bleeding after injuries, surgeries, or dental procedures, and may also suffer from spontaneous internal bleeding, especially in the joints and muscles. It is an X-linked recessive disorder, which means it predominantly affects males, while females typically act as carriers.
There are two main types of hemophilia: Hemophilia A, caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII, and Hemophilia B, caused by a deficiency of clotting factor IX. The symptoms are similar for both types and include easy bruising, excessive bleeding, joint pain, swelling due to internal bleeding, and prolonged bleeding after cuts.
Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure the levels of clotting factors and family history analysis. While there is no complete cure, hemophilia is manageable through replacement therapy, where the missing clotting factors are administered via injections. Mild cases of Hemophilia A may be treated with desmopressin (DDAVP) to stimulate factor VIII release. Preventive care, avoiding blood-thinning medications, and regular medical monitoring are crucial to managing the condition and preventing complications like joint damage and severe bleeding episodes.