Hemophilia is an unusual bleeding disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot normally. Abnormal clotting is a serious risk and can result in severe bleeding due to an injury or even routine surgery. Hemophilia is mainly classified into two types, Classic Hemophilia (Type A) and Christmas disease (Type B). Lack of clotting factor VIII causes the first type, while a reduction in clotting factor IX will directly trigger Christmas disease.

There is a Type C, one of the rarest variants of the disorder. However, both conditions will more or less exhibit the following symptoms with varying degrees of intensity.

Note that in hemophilia, bleeding is the most noticeable and direct indicator of a problem among children and adults of all ages.

1. Spontaneous bleeding
   Bruises or injuries can lead to bleeding that is normally stopped due to the clotting ability of the blood. However, if one experiences excessive bleeding even due to the smallest cuts or injuries, it is an indication of a lack of necessary clotting factors. Even deep bruises that don’t heal easily may indicate a developing hemophilia condition. Also, experiencing frequent nosebleeds and passing blood in urine or stool is cause for concern and immediate medical attention is advisable.
2. Internal bleeding
   A serious hemophilia condition can also trigger internal bleeding into the joints. Most often, this bleeding happens in and around the joints of the elbows, ankles, and knees. Some of the major discomforts include a persistent sensation of tightness, and pain and swelling in the joints. Another complication that can arise out of internal bleeding is hematoma that is excessive bleeding into the skin, muscles or any soft tissue that can lead to a buildup of fluids.
3. Bleeding post-medical treatment
   Uncontrolled bleeding post getting a vaccination or after performing a circumcision surgery can also indicate an early problem of clotting factor ineffectiveness.

Treating hemophilia

It’s advisable to consult with a doctor if either of the bleeding symptoms intensifies in terms of severity. However, one must hasten if experiencing a severe headache, persistent vomiting, pain, blurred vision, and fatigue accompanied by continuous bleeding. One of the most common methods of treating the condition is done by replacing lost clotting blood factors. This can be done in the following ways:

1. Intravenous injections
   This clotting factor replacement can be comfortably done at home after being taught to administer the injections by a medical professional. After the first few injections, patients can perform the process at home as directed by their primary care provider. Understand that there are several different methods of manufacturing these clotting factors, including taking plasma-derived factors and recombinant factors. Timely injections reduce the risk of internal bleeding and prevent further complications.
2. Medications
   Along with the clotting factor treatment, there are a few over-the-counter medications and prescriptions that the doctor may suggest to manage the pain.

Treatment will vary based on the type of hemophilia. For type A, intravenous hormone injections have been proven to be useful. For type B, plasma donor clotting factors derived from healthy donors has shown better results. And for rare type C genetic disorder, plasma infusion medications are suggested for timely treatment. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can quickly improve the quality of life by overcoming persistent discomforts.