Generally, we have been facing several wounds mild to severe since childhood. The loss of blood occurs till the time of first aid or bandage. But, in some cases, there is no stoppage of blood from the wounds even after the treatment. All this is due to Hemophilia disease.
There is X-Y chromosome in males and X-X in females. In case of any defect in X chromosome, in females, the other X chromosome helps in the clotting of blood by working as the aiding factor. This lack of other X chromosome in males creates a problem in clotting of blood if they receive defective one during conception, thereby making them victim of Hemophilia.
Hemophilia is of three types: Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, Hemophilia C. In India, mostly hemophilic patients are the victim of Hemophilia A. 8 out of every 10 are the patients of type Hemophilia A. It is a hereditary disease and mostly passes from the infected gene of mother to her kids.
Origin of World Hemophilia Day
World Hemophilia Day is observed on 17th April every year. It was started by World Federation of Hemophilia in 1989 to commemorate the birthday of its founder Mr. Frank Schnabel. His contribution to serve the patients of Hemophilia is praiseworthy. Variety of programs are held on this day to aware the people about this dreadful disease. The traces of this disease can be found very long back in the 10th century. Queen Victoria transmitted the infected gene to all the royal families across Europe.
Reason behind Hemophilia disorder:-
There is a protein tissue factor called thromboplastin that causes blood coagulation by converting prothrombin into thrombin. The lack of this protein in blood vessels causes prolonged bleeding or delayed clotting of blood. This continuous loss of blood causes a threat to the life of patient. This clotting factor is also termed as binding agent.
It is better to know what Thromboplastin is and how it works. Thromboplastin is a plasma protein that helps in clotting of blood at the site of injury. It causes cessation of blood loss by repairing the damaged tissues. It is found in many cells of the body but particularly in abundance in brain, lungs and blood platelets.
World Hemophilia Day 2022
Hemophilia is a very dreadful disease. Since there is a lack of clotting element in the blood, even the small injury can cause the patient to die if the wound is not treated on time. Bleeding can be more dangerous when it is internal with no external wound.
Thus, there is need to aware the people about this hereditary disease by specifying a day for it in a year.
The theme of the day this year is “Access for all: Partnership. Policy. Progress. Engaging your government, integrating inherited bleeding disorders into national policy”.
We can create a change in the nation by providing equitable access to care and treatment for all with the attention of policymakers towards this disease.
Symptoms of Hemophilia
The early detection of symptoms in the patients can help a lot to save their lives. Hemophilic patients generally show the following symptoms.
- Bleeding in urine
- Severe wound in case of small injury
- Wound in any part of body with no visible injury
- Excessive bleeding in case of small cuts or wounds
- Joint pain
- Blurred vision
- No clotting of blood from the wounds after care or treatment
- Bleeding in the brain
- Weakness
- Fatigue on walking
- Blue pigmentation/patches on the body
Precautions for hemophilic patients
Prevention is better than cure. Taking care of oneself helps a lot to save from being the victim of this harmful disease. The following points must be kept in mind.
Consult the doctor immediately in case of any symptom
Make your bones and muscles strong to save yourself from injuries
Do exercise regularly for physical fitness
The kids victim of Hemophilia must be provided knee caps, helmets and leg guards while playing games
In case of internal bleeding, rub the injured area with ice cubes
Thus, there is a greater need in India to aware the people about this dreadful disease. The treatment for this disease is just in its developing stage and is very costly. But in some government hospitals, there is a provision of medicines and injections for the hemophilic patients.
Writing credits – Rimpi Miglani
