Hemophilia Overview
Hemophilia is a rare disorder in which the blood doesn’t clot in the typical way because it doesn’t have enough blood-clotting proteins (clotting factors). If you have hemophilia, you might bleed for a longer time after an injury than you would if your blood clotted properly.
Small cuts usually aren’t much of a problem. If you have a severe form of the condition, the main concern is bleeding inside your body, especially in your knees, ankles and elbows. Internal bleeding can damage your organs and tissues and be life-threatening. Hemophilia is almost always a genetic disorder. Treatment includes regular replacement of the specific clotting factor that is reduced. Newer therapies that don’t contain clotting factors also are being used.
Symptoms
- Unexplained and excessive bleeding
- Many large or deep bruises
- Unusual bleeding after vaccinations
- Pain, swelling or tightness in your joints
- Blood in your urine or stool
- Nosebleeds without a known cause
- In infants, unexplained irritability
![](https://exultdiagnostics.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Hemophilia-2.png)
When to see a Doctor
Seek emergency care if you or your child has Signs or symptoms of bleeding into the brain, An injury in which the bleeding won’t stop, Swollen joints that are hot to the touch and painful to bend.