HEMOPHILIA: EQUITABLE ACCESS FOR ALL

HEMOPHILIA

By Pharm. Glorious Attat

Did you know that excessive bleeding at the site of an injury (minor or major) does not necessarily imply that your blood level is too high or that your blood cells are just too much?

Excessive bleeding could also result from a medical condition in which the ability of the blood to clot is severely reduced, causing the patient to bleed severely from even a slight injury. This condition is referred to as hemophilia. It is typically caused by a mutation in one of the genes that provide instructions for the production of clot factor proteins needed to form a blood clot.

Hemophilia is also referred to as, “THE ROYAL DISEASE”. This is due to the fact that it affected the royal families of England, Germany, Russia and Spain in the 19^th and 20^th Centuries.

Types of Hemophilia

Hemophilia is differentiated into different types based on the clotting factor deficiency. They include:

• Hemophilia A: This is due to reduced levels of clotting factor VIII
• Hemophilia B: This is due to reduced levels of clotting factor IX
• Hemophilia C: This is due to reduced levels of clotting factor XI

Symptoms of Hemophilia

The following symptoms will occur if you have hemophilia:

• Unexplained and excessive bleeding from cuts, injuries and even after surgery.
• Many large or deep bruises.
• Pain, swelling or tightness in the joints.
• Blood in the urine or stool.
• Nose bleeds without a known cause.

How Do You Know You Are A Hemophiliac?

• Physical signs that a person has unusual bleeding
• Family history of hemophilia
• A blood test known as CLOTTING FACTOR TEST/ FACTOR TEST is carried out to determine the type of hemophilia and severity. If the test result diagnosis hemophilia, visit a nearby hospital for proper care and attention.

How Can One Get Hemophilia?

• Hemophilia is hereditary and is transmitted from mother to Child
• It could also be acquired such that, a person’s immune system develops antibodies against one of their body’s own clotting factors. This results in a reduced factor level in their blood. Acquired hemophilia usually develops when people are older, and can affect both men and women. It is a rare condition.

How Can Hemophilia Be Treated?

Hemophilia is treated using a variety of methods such as;

• Directly injecting clotting factor concentrate into a vein, which either prevents or reduces bleeding.
• Medications to help prevent or reduce bleeding
• Hormone therapy for women with heavy menstrual bleeding

In Conclusion, With treatment, most people with hemophilia can live a normal life.

However, they should;

• Avoid contact sports, such as rugby etc
• Avoid taking other medications that can affect their blood's ability to clot, such as aspirin and ibuprofen
• Take care of their teeth and gums, alongside having regular check-ups at the dentist