Every year, March is observed as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn about bleeding disorders, their symptoms, and treatments.
Diseases that interfere with blood clotting are called bleeding disorders. This can cause excessive bleeding after surgery, trauma, or spontaneously. Moderate to deadly blood disorders exist. Early diagnosis, proper management, and better quality of life depend on awareness.
This extensive resource covers bleeding disorders’ types, symptoms, treatments, and early intervention. Dr. Ganesh Jaishetwar, Sr. Consultant Hematologist, Hemato-Oncologist, and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, will also teach us.
The Types of Bleeding Disorders
Hereditary hemophilia is caused by clotting factor deficits. Two main types:
- Insufficient clotting factor VIII causes hemophilia A.
- Deficiency of clotting factor IX causes hemophilia B. Hemophilia causes easy bruising, nosebleeds, prolonged injury bleeding, and internal bleeding, especially in joints and muscles.
VWD, caused by von Willebrand factor dysfunction, is the most common inherited bleeding condition. Platelet adhesion and clotting require this protein. Depending on severity, vWF deficiency might induce easy bruising, significant monthly bleeding, and minor trauma or procedure hemorrhage.
Platelet Function Conditions: These affect clotting platelets. Drugs, genetic variations, and medical conditions can affect platelet function. Small injuries can induce persistent bleeding, rapid bruising, and mucous membrane hemorrhage.
Watch for Symptoms:
Treating bleeding disorders requires early detection. Note these signs:
- Uncontrolled bleeding from minor wounds or injuries.
- Uncontrollable nosebleeds.
- Period bleeding that soaks pads or tampons quickly.
- Even tiny bumps bruise.
- Muscle or joint bleeding without reason, producing discomfort, edema, and stiffness.
- Blood in urine or stool (possible internal hemorrhage).
Treatment Options for Bleeding Disorder:
Fortunately, bleeding diseases can be treated to improve life. These methods are common:
- Prevention: Bleeding disorder patients should avoid risky activities and restrict clotting-interfering medicines.
- Replacement Therapy: Infusions replenish blood and clotting factors. Diseases may require regular clotting or von Willebrand factor injections.
- Desmopressin (DDAVP): Releases von Willebrand factor and factor VIII, promoting clot formation. DDAVP treats mild-to-moderate VWD.
- Antifibrinolytics: Prevent blood clot disintegration to stop bleeding.
- Iron supplements: Heavy bleeding might induce anemia. Anemic fatigue can be reduced with iron supplementation.
- Surgery: Severe or bleeding instances may require surgery.
Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment Matter:
Early bleeding identification improves care and reduces consequences. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, see a doctor. Early detection allows for individualized treatment to minimize bleeding, improve quality of life, and prevent long-term effects.
Live with Bleeding Disorder:
Despite the challenges of bleeding diseases, medicinal improvements have improved outcomes. Doctors help bleeding patients manage their conditions and live productively.
Additional Considerations:
- Emotional Well-being: Chronic illnesses like bleeding disease might influence mental health. Address your concerns and disappointments. Attend support groups or therapy for emotional concerns.
- Physical Activity: Even with changes, bleeding illnesses demand regular exercise. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga maintain strength, flexibility, and health. Discussing safe activity with your doctor is vital.
- Diet and Nutrition: Diets rich in vitamins and minerals aid wound healing and wellbeing. Low iron, vitamin C, and vitamin K might increase bleeding. See a dietician for a personalized diet.
- Medical Emergencies: People with bleeding disorders should watch for acute pain, edema, or head or brain bleeding. Emergency planning, including medical care timing, are crucial.
The Way Ahead:
Gene therapy and factor replacement product research may cure or improve bleeding diseases.
Blood issues are complicated and require personalized care. Early diagnosis, therapy, and self-care enable bleeding sufferers live active, fulfilling lives. Awareness and open communication between patients, healthcare practitioners, and researchers can enhance these folks’ futures.
