Types of Bleeding Disorders, Causes and Symptoms
March is observed as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. The aim of this awareness program is to let the general public be aware of various disorders. Not many are familiar with this term. Hence, we are sharing the types of disorders that are related to blood. Also, you will get to learn about its symptoms and causes.
There are certain factors that are connected to this disorder. The bleeding disorder can happen to anyone. It is mostly considered to be an inherited disorder. Meaning, one suffers from this disorder due to genetic factors. Thus, it can also happen to someone at a later stage of life. And few disorders are a result of an accident or an injury. However, some other disorders can occur without any cause or symptoms. And it results in hefty bleeding. The reason for this factor is still uncertain.
All you need to know about Bleeding Disorders
A bleeding disorder is a type of disease that affects the process of blood clot. The other name of this condition is Coagulation. During this condition, one experiences excessive bleeding compared to the normal level. This situation occurs because the body is not able to process the formation of a blood clot in a normal manner. Hence, the body is not able to react and form blood clots.
Therefore, there is a process where the body needs to control all the functions. There must not be excessive bleeding nor extreme clotting. Coagulation is a process that keeps the balance in the bloodstream. That involves the role of blood cells which are platelets and the liquid part of the blood. When these factors do not function, one suffers from excess bleeding. It can occur inside the body as well outside. It will be noticed underneath the skin or organs like the brain.
There is a visible cause of this disorder. One can notice that there is no formation of a blood clot. Hence, it indicates that the clotting factors and the platelets are not under bodily control. And that results in bleeding in joints and muscles or any other parts of the body.
Causes of Bleeding Disorders
The cause varies from one person to another.
- Inherited
- Vitamin K deficiency
- Liver disease
- Platelet Disorders
- Anticoagulation Therapy
Symptoms
The symptoms are not similar to every person.
- Prolonged or Recurrent nosebleeds
- Prolonged or Recurrent of gums
- Excessive menstrual bleeding or extreme postpartum bleeding(it occurs after delivery in women)
- Continuation of bleeding after an injection or needle prick
- Extreme bleeding throughout or following a surgery
- Sudden injury leads to excessive bleeding
Types of Bleeding Disorders
Hemophilia
This is the most common and known disorder among everyone. It is an inherited disorder. Individuals with hemophilia do not have coagulation factors. The name of the type varies as per the type of factor missing in them. In this disorder, one experiences a very slow process of the blood clot. It is also stated in the facts that only 1 out of 10,000 male births are born with it in India.
Liver Disease
The functioning of the liver is connected with the coagulation factors. When the liver is unable to function normally, one is suffering from liver diseases. Hence, it affects the process of the blood clot. As a result, the person experiences excess bleeding.
Platelet Disorders
When the platelets do not function normally, one suffers from a blood disorder. The blood cells help to clot the blood. But in this case, this procedure does not take place. When the wall of a blood vessel is damaged, platelets reach the injury spot by surpassing the wall. And this leads to result in a clot of blood. However, if the platelet count is low, there is a possible risk in it.
Low Platelet Count
When one suffers from leukemia, they might have a low platelet count. Other than that, as a side effect of chemotherapy, the low platelet count is seen. Hence, due to the low platelet count, one can suffer from a hefty bleeding disorder. However, the cause of every person suffering from the disorder is not the same.
Available Treatment Options
There is no cure yet for bleeding disorder. However, there are treatments as part of further prevention of the disease.
Factor Replacement Product
Hemophilia patients are infused with factor replacement products. This helps them to recover from bleeding episodes.
Platelet Transfusion
When the platelet count is low, doctors prescribe for platelet transfusion. Thus, this prevents the excess bleeding in a person.
Vitamin K Supplement
If someone is suffering from Vitamin K deficiency, there are options to improve it. They can take the supplements of Vitamin K. Thus, it will help them to improve their health condition.
Other Treatments
There are few more treatments available. However, the above mentioned are the popular ones. The rest of the list includes Fresh frozen plasma and antifibrinolytics.
Advice
Therefore, if you happen to notice any of the symptoms, consult the doctor. Every symptom may not lead to a bleeding disorder. Hence, knowing the right information will help you with the right approach. Spread the information to your known and loved ones. Thus, this will help them to take the right decision.
