Hemophilia is a blood disorder where the blood doesn’t clot normally. Usually, clotting factors in the blood ensure that clots are formed when there is an injury to prevent excessive blood loss. A person with hemophilia would lack some of these clotting factors. As a result, their blood doesn’t clot normally, and it becomes very difficult to stop bleeding, even from minor injuries.

Hemophilia is an inherited disorder that is usually passed down from a mother (who is a carrier of this disease) to the son in an X-linked recessive pattern. As a result, only women can be carriers of the defective genes, as a single faulty X chromosome is enough to lead to hemophilia in men. A woman faces a 50% chance of inheriting this condition if her father has hemophilia and her mother is a carrier.

A significant problem associated with hemophilia is internal bleeding that can lead to joint damage. A person with hemophilia is also susceptible to infections. So, it is vital to know about the treatments available for this condition.

Treatment for hemophilia
There are many types of treatments available that are safe and can help a person with hemophilia lead a comfortable life. These treatments can help individuals manage the symptoms of this condition as well as reduce the risks associated with it. Some of the most popular treatments for hemophilia are:

Replacement therapy
It is one of the most common treatments available for hemophilia. Missing blood clotting facts are slowly dripped or injected into a vein. In the past, such transfusions exposed individuals to the risk of infections, but today, blood from donors is screened and treated.

While replacement therapy is mostly a preventive measure, it can also be used to stop bleeding.

Desmopressin
Desmopressin is a man-made hormone that can stimulate the release of stored clotting factors. It is suitable for people with mild hemophilia. It can either be injected into a vein or be used as a nasal spray.

Antifibrinolytic medicines
These pills ensure that blood clots do not break down. It is used when there is mild bleeding in the intestine or bleeding from the nose or mouth. It is also given to people with hemophilia before starting a dental procedure.

Fibrin sealant
These medications are used in cases where it is difficult to stop bleeding. The sealants are used on injuries to promote clotting and help stop bleeding.

Gene therapy
Gene therapy is being tested as a viable treatment for hemophilia. This therapy aims to find ways to correct the faulty genes that lead to this disorder.

Home care
One can take care of a person with hemophilia at home by providing protective equipment to prevent injuries. This is particularly necessary for children with hemophilia. Regular exercise is also useful to protect the joints. Today, people can even undergo preventive and on-demand replacement therapy at home to avoid frequent visits to the hospital. But it is necessary to discuss this with a doctor and learn about the necessary steps and safety procedures for the treatment.