Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that affects thousands of people in our country at a young age. However, the period of diagnosis is 36 months for mild hemophilia, eight months for moderate hemophilia, and one month for severe hemophilia. Hence it is important to meticulously understand the disease based on its causes and symptoms and other management options. Read this article to learn more about causes, symptoms, and management options for hemophilia:
Causes
Hemophilia A
This is the most common type of hemophilia that accounts for at least 80 percent of total hemophilia cases. It is caused due to disruption or mutation in the F8 (XIII) genes that are located in the long arm (q) of X chromosomes (Xq28). Chromosomes carry genetic information from one generation to another.
Hemophilia B
Hemophilia B is a rare genetic disease similar to hemophilia A as it is also an X-linked recessive trait. The blood disorder is caused due to deficiency of gene factor IX in X chromosomes. Being an X-linked recessive trait, hemophilia B is also mainly prominent in men.
Symptoms
Mild hemophilia
A person suffering from mild hemophilia A may experience bruising and bleeding from the mucous membranes in the nose and gums. Prolonged or severe bleeding may occur after surgery, dental procedures, or physical trauma.
Moderate hemophilia
Moderate cases of hemophilia may sometimes result in spontaneous bleeding episodes without apparent cause. It can also cause prolonged bleeding following surgery, dental procedure, or trauma.
Severe hemophilia
Individuals with severe hemophilia may experience spontaneous bleeding. They may also experience hemarthrosis or bleeding into the deep muscles or joints, which leads to pain and swelling in the affected area and restricted movement.
Treatments
Prescription based treatments
Prescription-based options involve treating mild forms of hemophilia A by intravenous administration or nasal sprays to increase the factor VIII in the blood, which can help improve blood clotting. Other options improve blood clotting by preventing the breakdown of specific proteins called fibrin. These options also manage vascular tumors, heavy menstrual bleeding, and bleeding due to traumatic injury and surgery.
Gene therapy
Gene therapy is an investigational therapy that involves replacing the patient’s defective gene with a normal gene to further produce active enzymes, thereby preventing disease progression.
Foods to eat
Whole grains
Whole grains foods are rich in fiber and nutrients, which helps lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, thereby preventing dangerous complications of hemophilia.
Calcium-rich foods
Calcium is essential for the growth and maintenance of bones for hemophilia patients. The nutrient helps keep the tooth and bones in check, thus preventing them from damage and subsequent blood loss.
Leafy greens
Dark, leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach are loaded with multiple minerals and a good source of vitamin K, which helps in blood clotting.
Foods to avoid
Saturated fats
Saturated fat consumption can affect the patient’s heart, kidney, digestive system, and liver, making it challenging to manage hemophilia symptoms.
Fried foods
Consuming fried foods can harm hemophilia patients. The bad cholesterol from these foods accumulates in the arteries, aggravating hemophilia symptoms.
Artificial sugar
Artificial sugars in candies, chocolates, and fizzy drinks increase blood sugar levels which can be counterproductive in managing hemophilia.
Natural Remedies
Aloe Vera
It contains glucomannan, which helps cellular regeneration and collagen production and is helpful in wound healing and inflammation associated with hemophilia.
Essential oils
Lavender, Rosemary, and Geranium are some of the most effective essential oils to help reduce the flow of bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia A or B.
Ice
Ice can be a great option to stop bleeding due to hemophilia. Health experts suggest applying it directly over the wound.