Living with Haemophilia: It’s Symptoms & Treatment
Haemophilia is a genetic disorder that causes abnormal bleeding due to the lack of clotting factors in the blood. It is a rare condition that affects mostly males, and there is currently no cure for it.
The World Federation of Hemophilia has worked tirelessly for over 50 years, intending to create awareness reading Hemophilia, a severe bleeding disorder. They believe in offering equal and high-quality healthcare for all patients suffering from this disease. World Hemophilia Day is celebrated on the 17th of April every year. This year their goal is to reach out to more people who have Haemophilia.
However, people with symptoms of Haemophilia can lead a normal life with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. In this article, we will break down the treatment of Haemophilia, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, medication, treatment options, and lifestyle changes.
What is Haemophilia?
The bleeding disorder Haemophilia affects the blood’s capacity to clot. A lack of clotting factors, which are blood proteins that aid in controlling bleeding, is the cause of the condition. Haemophilia A and Haemophilia B are the two primary types. A lack of clotting factor VIII results in Haemophilia A, which is more prevalent than Haemophilia B. Haemophilia B is a clotting factor IX deficient condition.
As a genetic disorder, Haemophilia is a condition that parents can pass on to their offspring. The quantity of clotting factors in the blood affects how severe the illness is. People with severe Haemophilia may undergo spontaneous bleeding episodes, while those with mild Haemophilia may only experience bleeding after a significant accident or surgery.
Symptoms and signs of Haemophilia
The symptoms of Haemophilia vary depending on the severity of the condition. People with mild Haemophilia may not experience any symptoms until they have a serious injury or surgery. Those with severe Haemophilia may experience spontaneous bleeding episodes, which can be life-threatening. Some of the Haemophilia signs and symptoms include:
If you experience any of these symptoms of Haemophilia, you must visit the best hospital in New Delhi to get the required checkup. PSRI Hospital will help you identify the cause and give the required treatment for Haemophilia.
Causes of Haemophilia
A genetic abnormality that inhibits the blood’s ability to produce clotting factors is one of the root causes of Haemophilia. As an X-linked recessive condition, it affects men more frequently than women. Females are equally susceptible to the illness and can pass it to their offspring.
How is Haemophilia diagnosed?
Due to the maturation of antibodies against clotting factors, Haemophilia can also occur later in life. It is more typical in older persons and is known as acquired Haemophilia.
Haemophilia C is typically identified within the first year of life in severe instances. Mild forms might not become evident till later in life. Some individuals discover they have Haemophilia after experiencing significant bleeding during surgery.
Clotting-factor tests can identify clotting-factor deficiencies and assess the severity of Haemophilia.
In order to make informed decisions about getting pregnant, people with a family history of Haemophilia may employ genetic testing to identify carriers.
It is also possible to determine if the foetus has Haemophilia while the mother is pregnant. The foetus, however, runs some risks from the examination. Discuss the benefits and risks of testing with your doctor at the PSRI Hospital, the best multispeciality hospital in Delhi.
Different types of Haemophilia
Haemophilia A and Haemophilia B are the two primary types of this disease. Clotting factor VIII deficiency is the root cause of Haemophilia A. In contrast, a lack of clotting factor IX results in Haemophilia B. Additionally, clotting factor XI deficiency causes Haemophilia C.
Treatment options for Haemophilia
The main treatment of Haemophilia is replacement therapy, which involves replacing the missing clotting factor in the blood. It is done through the intravenous infusion of clotting factor concentrates. Clotting factor concentrates come in two primary varieties: plasma-derived and recombinant. Recombinant concentrates are created by genetic engineering, while plasma-derived concentrates are created from human blood.
In addition to replacement therapy, there are several other options for the treatment of Haemophilia. These include:
- Desmopressin: a Haemophilia medication that can stimulate the release of clotting factor VIII in some people with mild Haemophilia A.
- Antifibrinolytic medications: medications that help prevent the breakdown of blood clots.
- Gene therapy: a new treatment of Haemophilia option that involves introducing a healthy copy of the defective gene into the body to produce clotting factors.
Lifestyle changes for people with Haemophilia
There are several lifestyle adjustments that people with symptoms of Haemophilia can undertake to assist in managing their illness. These consist of the following:
Haemophilia cure – is it possible?
There is currently no treatment for Haemophilia. However, scientists are working hard to create new therapies that might one day treat the illness. By implanting a healthy copy of the damaged gene into the body, one powerful treatment option for Haemophilia is gene therapy. To learn more about gene therapy, visit the best hospital in Delhi. Our experts will give you deep insights into every treatment and medication for Haemophilia.
Conclusion
Haemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot. A deficiency in clotting factors causes it and can result in spontaneous bleeding episodes. While there is currently no cure for Haemophilia, several treatment options are available, including replacement therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. People with Haemophilia can lead a normal life with proper treatment and care.
If you still have any concerns about Haemophilia or signs of Haemophilia, get a consultation in the best hospital in Delhi NCR. Our experts at PSRI Hospital have years of experience in giving the best possible treatment for any disease. So visit our multispeciality hospital New Delhi to live a healthy life.
FAQs
Q.1 What are Haemophilia Signs and Symptoms?
Answer: The common signs and symptoms of Haemophilia include frequent bleeding, bruising, prolonged bleeding after injuries or surgeries, joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Q.2 What Causes Haemophilia?
Answer: Haemophilia is caused by a deficiency in clotting factors in the blood. There are two main types of Haemophilia, Haemophilia A and Haemophilia B, which are caused by the deficiency of clotting factor VIII and clotting factor IX, respectively.
Q.3 Is There a Cure for Haemophilia?
Answer: Currently, there is no cure for Haemophilia. However, people with Haemophilia can lead normal and active lives with proper treatment and management.
Q.4 What are the Available Treatment Options for Haemophilia?
Answer: The treatment of Haemophilia involves replacing the missing clotting factors in the blood. This can be done through regular infusions of clotting factor concentrates. Physical therapy and joint support can also help prevent joint damage and improve mobility.
Q.5 Can Haemophilia be Prevented?
Answer: Haemophilia is a genetic disorder that cannot be prevented. However, genetic counselling and prenatal testing can help identify the risk of Haemophilia in families with a history of the condition. They can help individuals make informed decisions about family planning.