Hemophilia is a disease that inhibits someone’s blood from clotting. The dangers are that someone can bleed to death from something as small as a paper cut, or a light bang. The blood is lacking in a protein or a clotting factor. It is more common in boys than in girls, though it is passed down from the maternal side.
There is no cure for hemophilia but it can be managed. Lab made or natural proteins can be injected into a patient’s bloodstream. For hemophilia B, clotting factor IX is injected as the body cannot make it itself. This treatment is called Replacement Therapy.
Depending on the severity of hemophilia, treatments may need to be regular. If it is not so severe the patient may only need replacement therapy after he has begun bleeding. Over 50% of patients with hemophilia B are on the severe side of the disease. This means that they have little to no clotting factor IX.
Replacement therapy can be done at a clinic, by a nurse who comes to your home, or can be taught so you can do it yourself.
Though your child will inevitably need replacement therapy, the most important care starts at home. If your child gets hurt quick first aid could be their life-saver. Any cuts or scrapes should be cleanbed immediately and bandaged up with pressure. Anything on the serious side should be given medical attention immediately.
Keeping your child a healthy weight with exercise and strengthening programs can help his muscles – muscles are less likely to bleed when they are stronger. Any and all of your child’s healthcare providers should be aware that he has hemophilia, and if he is due any dental work for example, he should take his medication as instructed beforehand.
Be careful of some over the counter medications too, Ibuprofen can cause bleeding so your child should not take it. Before giving them any medication, be sure to check that it is ok for them to ingest.
Your kids should also wera protective padding when playing – knee and elbow pads and helmets can save them a lot of trouble.
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