What Are the Symptoms of Hemophilia?

Hemophilia, a bleeding disorder, can cause excessive, uncontrollable bleeding.¹

People with hemophilia may have symptoms such as:

• Bruises from minor accidents²

• Nosebleeds³

• Bleeding that is difficult to stop after dental work¹

• Longer bleeding times after cuts and scrapes¹

• Blood in the urine or stool²

In addition, people with hemophilia may have bleeding in their joints, which can cause swelling and pain.¹ Bleeding into the brain may be another side effect of hemophilia. This type of bleeding can be very serious and may follow a mild head injury.¹

The good news is that most people with hemophilia can live healthy, normal lives with proper treatment.² If you or your child has a bleeding disorder, be sure to tell your doctors and dental professionals.¹ You can take steps to avoid problems. For example, your dental professional can coordinate with your physician to give you medicine to reduce bleeding during dental work.¹

¹ “Hemophilia.” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, August 2008. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hemophilia/hemophilia_all.html Accessed 2010.

² “Medical Encyclopedia: Hemophilia A.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, March 21, 2010. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000538.htm Accessed 2008.

³ “Medical Encyclopedia: Hemophilia B.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, March 21, 2010. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000539.htm Accessed 2008.