Hemophilia

Updated: 2023-08-29

Description

A rare condition in which the blood doesn't clot in the typical way when a person bleeds.

Overview

With hemophilia, bleeding might go on for a longer time after an injury than it would if the blood clotted properly. Often, small cuts aren't much of a problem. But serious forms of the condition raise the risk of bleeding inside the body. This can damage organs and tissues. The main risk factor for hemophilia is to have relatives who also have it.

Symptoms

Hemophilia symptoms can include bleeding more than usual from cuts or injuries. Or the excessive bleeding might happen after surgery, dental work or getting a shot of a vaccine. Hemophilia also may cause many large or deep bruises. Symptoms of rare bleeding in the brain include a painful, long-lasting headache and repeated vomiting.

Treatments

The main treatment for serious hemophilia involves receiving blood-clotting proteins through a tube in a vein. These proteins are called clotting factor. Depending on how serious a person's hemophilia is, other medicines may be needed. Treatments called fibrin sealants can help seal wounds. Use of pressure and a bandage may stop bleeding from minor cuts.