Hemophilia is a rare, typically genetic condition that impacts the blood’s ability to clot. This develops as a result of a lack of certain proteins (factor VIII or factor IX), which help with clotting. A shortage of these factors can make one more likely to experience bleeding, which can lead to other health complications. Recognizing the condition’s early warning signs can help one receive timely medical care and prevent such complications:

1. Prolonged bleeding from wounds
One of the most common warning signs of hemophilia is prolonged, excessive, or unexplained bleeding from cuts and wounds or after surgeries or dental work. Without hemophilia, bleeding typically stops within a few minutes. However, for those affected by this condition, bleeding may last for hours as a result of a lack of clotting factors in the blood.

2. Easy bruising
Those with hemophilia may also be susceptible to spontaneous or unexplained bruising. Children with hemophilia often have bruises of different sizes all over their bodies. The bruises can develop even from the smallest of bumps and may cause pain or discomfort. They are typically observed on the arms and legs.

3. Spontaneous bleeding
Those with moderate to severe hemophilia may also experience spontaneous bleeding, that is, bleeding without any apparent cause or injury. This bleeding may be internal or external, such as bleeding in the gums and mouth or bleeding in the skin, muscle, or tissue.

4. Prolonged, heavy menstrual periods
Among women with bleeding disorders like hemophilia, heavy periods or menorrhagia are common symptoms. Most women lose anywhere between 30 to 40 ml of blood during one menstrual cycle. Blood loss of over 80 ml is considered to be heavy. Over time, this can lead to low iron levels in the blood, also known as anemia.

5. Bleeding in the joints
Hemophilia may also lead to bleeding in the joints, such as the knees, ankles, and elbows. This causes pain, swelling, and tightness in the joints. When left untreated, this can limit the ability to move comfortably.

6. Blood in urine or stool
Those with moderate to severe hemophilia may also be at a higher risk of internal bleeding, which can be observed as blood in the urine (hematuria) or stool. This could be a result of bleeding in the bladder, stomach, or intestines. This symptom usually requires immediate medical attention.

7. Nosebleeds
Another warning sign of hemophilia is severe or unexplained nosebleeds, which can be hard to stop and often require medical intervention.

8. Fatigue
Even the mildest form of hemophilia results in irregular amounts of blood loss. This can increase the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, causing fatigue and weakness that affects the ability to participate in daily activities. As a result, hemophilia treatment often involves managing iron levels in the body and reducing symptoms of anemia.

9. Bleeding after surgery or dental procedures
Due to the reduced clotting abilities, those with hemophilia may also experience difficulties with surgery or dental procedures. The condition presents a higher risk for complications, as one may experience bleeding for extended periods after a blood draw or simple dental procedures.

10. Bleeding into the brain
Among those with severe hemophilia, a simple bump on the head could lead to internal bleeding in the brain. This symptom must be addressed immediately. Signs of bleeding into the brain may include painful or prolonged headaches, repeated vomiting, sleepiness or lethargy, double vision, sudden weakness or clumsiness, convulsions, or seizures.

11. Delayed healing
Lastly, due to the improper formation of blood clots, those with hemophilia may also take a longer time to heal. This may increase their risk of experiencing pain and contracting infections.

If left untreated, hemophilia could increase the risk of health complications such as:
– Deep internal bleeding in the muscle, potentially causing swelling, numbness, or pain
– Bleeding into the throat or neck, affecting the ability to breathe
– Damage to the joints due to extreme pressure, leading to arthritis or destruction of the joint
– Contracting viral infections such as Hepatitis C

Recognizing and addressing these warning signs of hemophilia can help in getting an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While the condition has no known cure, timely medical intervention and management can help in relieving certain symptoms and lowering the risk of further complications.