Hemophiliac
Hemophiliac
Hemophiliac (pronunciation: /ˌhiːməˈfɪliːæk/), also known as a bleeder, is a person who suffers from Hemophilia, a group of hereditary genetic disorders that impair the body's ability to control blood clotting or coagulation, which is used to stop bleeding when a blood vessel is broken.
Etymology
The term "Hemophiliac" is derived from the Greek words haima (blood) and philia (love), literally translating to "love of blood". This is a misnomer, as hemophiliacs do not love blood, but rather, their blood has a deficiency in clotting.
Types of Hemophilia
There are two main types of hemophilia: Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B. Hemophilia A, also known as classic hemophilia, is the most common type and is caused by a deficiency in factor VIII. Hemophilia B, also known as Christmas disease, is caused by a deficiency in factor IX.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hemophilia can include uncontrolled and spontaneous bleeding, blood in urine or stool, large and deep bruises, excessive bleeding, prolonged bleeding from cuts or injuries, or after surgery or dental work, joint pain and swelling caused by internal bleeding.
Treatment
Treatment for hemophilia can involve regular infusions of the deficient blood clotting factor, known as factor replacement therapy. Other treatments can include Desmopressin, a medication that can stimulate the body to release more of its own clotting factor, and Antifibrinolytic drugs, which can help prevent clots from breaking down.
Related Terms
- Coagulation: The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a clot.
- Factor VIII: A protein that helps blood to clot. A deficiency in factor VIII causes hemophilia A.
- Factor IX: A protein that helps blood to clot. A deficiency in factor IX causes hemophilia B.
- Desmopressin: A medication used to prevent or control certain types of bleeding.
- Antifibrinolytic: A type of medication that prevents the breakdown of blood clots.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hemophiliac
- Wikipedia's article - Hemophiliac
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