The Most Commonly Asked Questions About Hemophilia

Margarida Azevedo, MSc avatar

by Margarida Azevedo, MSc |

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Hemophilia is it a genetic disorder where the body doesn’t produce clotting factor, which means blood can’t clot. This makes patients susceptible to both heavy external and internal bleeding, which if left untreated, can be life-threatening.

Thanks to Hemophilia Village, we have the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the disease:

MORE: Tips for coping with a hemophilia diagnosis. 

Is there a cure?
This is usually the first question on any patient’s mind. Currently, there is no cure for hemophilia, however there are many different treatment options for even the most extreme forms of the disease.

How do I discover if my child suffers from hemophilia?
If your child presents any symptoms, you should take them to a doctor immediately. The doctor will perform a physical examination where they’ll test how long your child’s blood takes to clot.

What are plasma-derived clotting factor products?
These are clotting factors produced from blood donated by human donors, using the plasma in the donated blood to separate the clotting factors.

What is a recombinant clotting factor?
These clotting factors are made using DNA technology, which makes clotting factors proteins in laboratory conditions instead of from human cells.

How can someone with hemophilia keep themselves healthy?
Preventive care, a healthy lifestyle, physical therapy and exercise are all essential to keep a hemophilia patient healthy. Physical therapy and exercise help to promote strong muscles and flexibility, which help to protect and prevent bleeding around the joints.

Can a hemophilia child partake in physical exercise? 
Although physical exercise is encouraged, contact sports should be avoided in order to avoid any kind of injury. Recommended physical activity for children who suffer from hemophilia includes swimming, bicycle riding (with a helmet), walking, and golf.

Where can I get information on hemophilia and treatment?
A health care provider must always be involved in making decisions appropriate for each hemophilia patient. There are support and education groups available all throughout the country, as well as various online resources.

MORE: The benefits of physical exercise for hemophilia patients.

Hemophilia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.