Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi, April 17: World Hemophilia Day is observed every year on April 17 to raise awareness of hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and other inherited bleeding disorders.
This is an important initiative since improved awareness leads to better diagnosis and care for the millions of people who are still untreated.
The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) established World Hemophilia Day in 1989 to bring the community together on the 17th of April in honour of WFH founder Frank Schnabel’s birthday.
The theme for this year is “Access for All.” With the help of volunteers from all across the world, the World Federation of Hemophilia undertakes tremendous work with impoverished countries through their GAP and Twinning Programs, as well as the Cornerstone Initiative.
What is Hemophilia?
Hemophilia is a bleeding illness that affects primarily men. The blood clotting proteins are absent in this disorder, and the person bleeds for longer than usual following an injury.
Hemophilia can be life-threatening if bleeding cannot be controlled for some reason or occurs in the brain or another essential organ due to clotting issues. Seizures or paralysis can occur as a result of head bleeding.
Causes:
Blood has a natural inclination to keep itself in a fluid state as it travels through blood vessels, but if the vessels are injured, a clot forms, preventing blood loss. Clot formation is a complicated process involving platelets and clotting proteins.
This condition develops when certain clotting factors are absent for a variety of reasons, most of which are inherited. Hemophilia can also be acquired if a person’s immune system targets clotting factors in the blood due to specific diseases. It can be caused by pregnancy, autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis, cancer, or drug responses.
Symptoms:
Unexpected and heavy bleeding from cuts or accidents, large or deep bruises, unexpected bleeding after immunizations, pain, swelling, or tightness in joints, blood in urine or stool, and nosebleeds without a known cause are all indications of hemophilia, according to Mayoclinic.
Treatment:
According to Mayoclinic, hemophilia is frequently identified within the first year of life in severe cases. Mild versions may not show up till adulthood. After experiencing significant bleeding during medical treatment, some people discover they have hemophilia.
Clotting-factor tests can show a deficit and help evaluate the severity of hemophilia.
Genetic testing may be used to detect carriers in persons with a family history of hemophilia, allowing them to make educated decisions about becoming pregnant.
It’s also possible to find out if the foetus has hemophilia during pregnancy. However, there are potential hazards to the foetus as a result of the tests. A person can go about the advantages and disadvantages of testing with a doctor’s consultation.
