World Haemophilia Day: what you need to know

Haemophilia is a rare hereditary disease that disrupts normal blood clotting. In people with this disease, blood does not clot as it should because of a lack of special proteins called clotting factors. As a result, even a minor injury can cause excessive bleeding.

Haemophilia is most often transmitted genetically, and men are usually affected. Women can be carriers of a gene with a mutation - they usually do not get sick themselves, but they can pass it on to their children. In rare cases, women can also develop haemophilia, for example, during pregnancy or as a result of certain diseases (autoimmune diseases, tumours, multiple sclerosis) that cause the formation of antibodies to blood clotting proteins.

People with haemophilia do not bleed faster, but they bleed longer. This can be dangerous - especially when it comes to internal haemorrhages, for example in the joints (knees, elbows, ankles), muscles or internal organs.

The main symptoms of haemophilia:

🔹 General manifestations: weakness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat and breathing.
🔹 Joint and muscular: bruising for no apparent reason, pain, swelling in the joints.
🔹 From the nervous system: headache, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, stiff neck muscles.
🔹 On the part of the digestive system: bloody vomiting, dark, loose stools, bright blood in the faeces, abdominal pain.
🔹 Genitourinary system: blood in the urine, pain in the kidneys.
🔹 Other symptoms: nosebleeds, blood from the gums, haemoptysis, shortness of breath, excessive bleeding after minor injuries or dental procedures.

What you should know about prevention:

✔ The diet should be rich in vitamins and minerals.
✔ Intramuscular, subcutaneous and intradermal injections should be avoided.
✔ It is not recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - they can cause stomach bleeding.
✔ Before getting married, you should undergo a medical genetic consultation.

Useful tips for those living with haemophilia:

✅ Have regular check-ups - at least once a year.
✅ Get the necessary vaccinations, in particular against hepatitis A and B.
In case of bleeding, act quickly and correctly.
✅ Stay active - physical activity and a healthy weight help protect your joints.

Although haemophilia is often genetic and cannot be completely cured, modern medicine can effectively prevent complications. Following your doctor's recommendations allows you to live a full and quality life.

https://www.phc.org.ua/news/17-kvitnya-vsesvitniy-den-gemofilii

https://health-ua.com/article/65639-gemoflya-vukran-problemi-dosyagnennya-taperspektivi

https://medikom.ua/chto-takoe-gemofiliya/

Municipal hygiene doctor of the epidemiological surveillance department

and prevention of non-communicable diseases V. Yurkevych