Haemophilia is a condition in which blood doesn't clot normally. People with haemophilia bleed longer than people without it. More males are affected by haemophilia than females because the gene mutation that causes it is carried on the X chromosome. Severe haemophilia is life-threatening. Treatment relies on lifelong injections of blood products containing clotting factor.
What causes haemophilia?
Haemophilia is inherited. It is caused by a gene mutation carried on the X chromosome. Those with haemophilia are missing one of the clotting factors that cause blood to solidify - usually factor XIII or factor IX.
Is haemophilia serious?
Haemophilia is potentially extremely serious. Because people with haemophilia don't have blood that clots normally, any internal bleeding can be life-threatening. Haemophilia can also lead to osteoarthritis.
Can I prevent haemophilia?
If you have a family history of haemophilia, you may want to consult a genetic counsellor before becoming pregnant.
How do I know if my child has haemophilia?
Many babies with haemophilia aren't diagnosed until they start moving around on their own - crawling or walking. Babies may experience frequent bruising from minor bumps. Some male babies are diagnosed because of prolonged bleeding after circumcision. Older children may display the following symptoms:
- Many large or deep bruises
- Joint pain and swelling
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Blood in urine or poo
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts or injuries, or after surgery
- Nosebleeds with no obvious cause
How do I treat haemophilia?
Haemophilia used to be treated only after a child experienced bleeding. Current treatment involves injection of clotting factor. You may be taught to inject your child at home. Special care may be needed to prevent damage to joints caused by bumps and bruises.
Should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor immediately if you believe your child has haemophilia. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening, so pay special attention to the following symptoms:
- Sudden pain, swelling, and warmth of large joints - knees, elbows, hips and shoulders - and the muscles of the arms and legs
- Bleeding from an injury
- Painful, lasting headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Extreme fatigue
- Neck pain
- Double vision
- Haemophilia is an inherited condition caused by a lack of clotting factor in the blood.
- Haemophilia can be life-threatening, especially in cases of internal bleeding.
- Haemophilia is treated with injections of blood products containing clotting factor.
- Read more about anaemia
- Learn about sickle cell anaemia
- More on stomach and intestinal disorders
What you need to know about haemophilia
Find information on other conditions:
Written by Rebecca Stigall for Kidspot, Australia's parenting resource for family health. Sources include Better Health Channel, NSW Health and Health Insite.
Last revised: Wednesday, 20 January 2010
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.