Dr. Ashish Dixit consultant in Haemato-oncology from Manipal Hospital, Bangalore is experienced for more than 25 years. His specialization lies in the treatment of stem cell transplantation, haemophilia, eosinophilia, blood transfusion, and cancer screening. After completing MBBS he did specialization in Paediatrics from PGIMER Chandigarh. Dr. Dixit’s other qualifications include specialization in Haematology from AIIMS and DNB from the National Academy of Medical Sciences. He is also an esteemed member of the Karnataka Medical Council.
Haemophilia
It’s a rare disorder in which your blood doesn't clot easily due to the lack of blood-clotting proteins in it. It is a genetic disorder. Under this condition, if you have any wound, cut, or injury your blood will not clot easily. A severe injury is a matter of concern. Internal bleeding may result in damage to any organ or tissue which can become life-threatening.
Causes
The body generally pools blood cells together to form a clot to stop the bleeding. This process is encouraged by certain blood particles. Haemophilia occurs when you have a deficiency in these clotting factors. There are different types of haemophilia, and most of them are inherited. Still, about 30% of people with haemophilia have no family history of such disorder. An unexpected change that occurs in one of the genes results in haemophilia. Acquired haemophilia is rare and a person's immune system attacks clotting factors in the blood. It can be associated with Pregnancy, Autoimmune conditions, Cancer, and Multiple sclerosis.
Symptoms
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Excessive bleeding from cuts or injuries
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Large and deep bruises
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Swelling, pain, and stiffness in joints
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Blood in stools or urine
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Nosebleeds without a cause
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Bleeding after vaccination
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Unexplained irritation in infants
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Bleeding in the Brain – It’s a very serious complication and may be life-threatening. Its symptoms include:
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Prolonged and painful headache
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Vomiting
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Lethargy
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Double vision
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Weakness and clumsiness
Diagnosis
Foetus affected by Haemophilia can be determined at the time of pregnancy. Although the testing poses some risks. In adults and children, a blood test is done to reveal clotting deficiency factors. Within the first year of life, severe cases of haemophilia can be diagnosed. Many people discover it after getting surgery.
Treatment
Different types of clotting factors are associated with varieties of haemophilia. The major treatment for severe haemophilia involves receiving replacement of the specific clotting factor through a tube placed in a vein. This replacement therapy is given to combat a bleeding episode in progress. It can be administered on a regular schedule at home to help prevent further bleeding. Some people have to undergo continuous replacement therapy.
The replacement clotting factor is made from donated blood. Recombinant clotting factors are also manufactured in a laboratory.
Other therapies include:
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Desmopressin. In mild haemophilia, this hormone stimulates your body to release more clotting factors. It is injected slowly into a vein or given as a nasal spray.
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Clot-preserving medications. These help in preventing clots from breaking down.
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First aid for minor cuts. Using pressure and a bandage will help take care of the bleeding. For small areas of bleeding use an ice pack.
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Fibrin sealants. These are applied directly to wound sites to promote clotting and healing. They are especially useful in dental therapy.
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Physical therapy. If internal bleeding has damaged your joints, it will help to ease some signs and symptoms. If internal bleeding has caused severe damage, you will be recommended surgery.
Take away
Some minor lifestyle changes will ease your discomfort. Regular exercise, good dental hygiene, protecting yourself from injuries, and avoiding pain killers and blood-thinning medicines will prove to be very helpful. Let people around you like friends, relatives, babysitters know about this disorder so that they can also be conscious while interacting with you and your baby. For a proper and perfect treatment contact Dr. Ashish Dixit from Manipal Hospital, Bangalore.