What Causes It?
Hemophilia is an inherited disorder that almost exclusively affects men. Women rarely have the disease but are the carriers who can pass the condition to their male children.
Hemophilia is an inherited disorder that almost exclusively affects men. Women rarely have the disease but are the carriers who can pass the condition to their male children.
Who's Most At Risk?
Hemophilia affects people from all ethnic groups. All the daughters of men with hemophilia will be carriers. However, even if hemophilia runs in the family, only about half the sons of carriers will have hemophilia
Nutrition
No studies have examined the link between nutrition and hemophilia. However, it would be wise to avoid supplemental vitamin E and fish oil if you have hemophilia, as they seem to increase bleeding time by keeping platelets from clumping. Vitamin K plays a role in normal clotting and may be useful either from dietary sources or in supplement form, but research is needed in this area. Do not take vitamin K supplements without first talking to your doctor.Herbs
No studies have examined the value of herbs for hemophilia specifically, and you should never use herbal therapies without your doctor's supervision. However, based on their own experience, health care providers may recommend herbs that strengthen blood vessels and act as astringents (causing contraction) to make bleeding less severe, such as the following:
No studies have examined the value of herbs for hemophilia specifically, and you should never use herbal therapies without your doctor's supervision. However, based on their own experience, health care providers may recommend herbs that strengthen blood vessels and act as astringents (causing contraction) to make bleeding less severe, such as the following:
Bilberry fruit ( Vaccinium myrtillus )
Grape seed extract ( Vitis vinifera )
Hawthorn berry ( Crataegus monogyna)
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)
Witch hazel ( Hamamelis virginiana )
Yarrow ( Achillea millefolium )
In addition, people with hemophilia should avoid the following herbs, which tend to make bleeding more severe:
Ginkgo ( Ginkgo biloba)
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Signs and Symptoms
Hemophilia may be accompanied by the following signs and symptoms: Joint pain and swelling, frequently in the knees and elbows Heavy bleeding, or bleeding that lasts a long time, from an accident or other injury. The start of bleeding may be delayed. -Large bruises-Swelling under the skin and between muscles, with fever, skin discoloration, and pain-Internal bleeding in the abdominal region, airway, or central nervous system-Bleeding of the mouth and gums, tooth loss-Blood in the urine-Digestive problems-Nosebleeds
