Hemophilia

Definition

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot due to the deficiency of certain clotting factors. This condition can lead to excessive bleeding even from minor injuries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hemophilia primarily affects males and is usually inherited from the mother.
2. There are two main types of Hemophilia: Type A (deficiency in factor VIII) and Type B (deficiency in factor IX).
3. Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing hemophilia, with emphasis on foods rich in vitamins C and K for blood vessel health and clotting support.
4. Patients with hemophilia should avoid medications like aspirin and NSAIDs that can exacerbate bleeding issues.
5. Regular physical activity, paired with a balanced diet, helps maintain joint health, which is often compromised due to recurrent bleeding episodes.

Review Questions

• What are the primary nutritional considerations for someone with Hemophilia?
• Why should individuals with Hemophilia avoid certain medications like NSAIDs?
• What are the differences between Hemophilia Type A and Type B?

Related terms

Thrombocytopenia:

A condition characterized by abnormally low levels of platelets, which help the blood clot.

Von Willebrand Disease: A genetic disorder caused by missing or defective von Willebrand factor (VWF), a clotting protein.

Anticoagulants:

Medications that help prevent blood clots but can increase bleeding risk in patients with conditions like Hemophilia.