Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a group of inherited bleeding disorders.

The signs and symptoms of hemophilia vary in severity among affected people. Associated symptoms and signs can include excessive bleeding in many different body sites. The bleeding is difficult to control due to poor blood clotting and is therefore excessive given the extent of damage or injury. Common sites for bleeding are the joints, muscles, and gastrointestinal tract. Joint damage is a characteristic finding in many people with hemophilia due to repeated bleeding into a joint.

Causes of hemophilia

A genetic mutation inherited in an X-linked recessive genetic pattern causes hemophilia. This means that males are commonly affected while females usually are carriers of the disease. The cause of hemophilia A is a deficiency of clotting factor VIII. A deficiency of factor IX causes hemophilia B (also known as Christmas disease).

Other hemophilia symptoms and signs

• Blood in Stool
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria)
• Excessive Bleeding From Injuries
• Internal Bleeding
• Joint Pain
• Many Large Bruises
• Nosebleeds
• Swollen Joints
• Vomiting Blood