|
The typical symptom of hemophilia is excessive, uncontrollable bleeding. The level of clotting factors in the blood determines the severity of the disorder. Hemophiliacs do not bleed faster than normal people; they bleed for a longer time because the blood is not able to clot. People with mild or moderate hemophilia often experience bleeding episodes with major surgeries, dental extractions or trauma. These children are often not diagnosed until a bleeding episode occurs.
Severe hemophilia is diagnosed when factor VIII or IX levels are less than 1 percent of normal. Bleeding in these children may occur spontaneously, or be triggered by the simple activities of daily living. Bleeding usually occurs in the soft tissues, muscles and joints. Serious bleeding into the head can occur with trauma and can lead to significant complications.
Other symptoms of hemophilia include:
|