Detecting and Treating Hemophilia

If your doctor suspects that you or your child may have a bleeding disorder, the first step is to do a complete medical history and physical examination.¹ The doctor also may perform several blood tests to better understand the problem.¹

Once the doctor has confirmed that hemophilia is present, he or she will recommend treatment based on the type and severity of the hemophilia.¹ Treatment for hemophilia may include replacing the missing clotting factor regularly or as needed.^{2, 3}

If You Have Hemophilia

Protect your health by following these steps:

• See your dental professional regularly.¹

• Ask your dental professional about medicine that can prevent too much bleeding during dental work.¹

• Know the signs of bleeding problems so you can get help if needed.^{2, 3}

If Your Child Has a Bleeding Disorder

Consider these tips to protect your little one:

• Purchase soft toys with rounded corners for young children. Check play equipment for sharp edges that can cause bleeding.¹

• If your child is learning to walk, consider padded clothing and a helmet.¹

• Talk to your child’s doctor about the risks of playing contact sports for older kids with hemophilia.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, 2008. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000538.htm Accessed 2010.

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