How to Prevent and Manage Bleeds
Hemophilia is a condition that affects the way the blood clots. People with hemophilia have a harder time stopping bleeding after an injury because some of the proteins that help form blood clots are missing or do not work well. Over time, many treatment options have been developed to help those with hemophilia live healthier, more active lives. In this article, we review ten effective hemophilia treatment options.
1. Hemlibra
Hemlibra is a newer type of treatment that helps the blood clot better. It works by helping the body make up for the missing clotting proteins. Hemlibra is given through an injection and can help prevent bleeds before they happen. This treatment has shown to be very useful for many people because it can reduce the number of bleeding events. The injections may be done once a week or even less often, which can be more convenient than frequent dosing schedules.
2. Replacement Therapy
Replacement therapy is a common treatment for hemophilia. In this approach, the missing clotting factor is injected into the bloodstream. This can be done on a regular schedule to help prevent bleeding or as needed after an injury to help stop the bleeding. Doctors carefully monitor patients to adjust doses as needed. Replacement therapy has been very effective in preventing long-term damage to joints and muscles that can be caused by repeated bleeding episodes.
3. Fibrin Sealants
Fibrin sealants are a type of treatment used during minor surgical procedures or after injuries. These sealants are made from proteins that help form a clot and seal the wound. When applied to a cut or area of bleeding, a fibrin sealant can help stop the bleeding quickly.
4. Desmopressin
Desmopressin is a medication that can increase the levels of certain clotting factors in the blood. It is most often used in people with a mild form of hemophilia. Desmopressin is given as a nasal spray or through an injection and helps the body to release more of the clotting proteins that it already has. This treatment is helpful because it uses the body’s own resources to improve clotting and reduce bleeding risks without needing as many injections of clotting factors.
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5. Avoiding Bumps and Falls
One of the simplest, yet most effective, ways to manage hemophilia is to try to avoid injuries. Taking care to avoid bumps and falls is significant because even a small injury can lead to a bleed that might be more serious than it would be for someone without hemophilia. This may mean being careful when walking on uneven surfaces, using handrails and keeping your home free of hazards that could lead to falls.
6. Avoid NSAIDs
NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are medications like ibuprofen or aspirin that many people use for pain relief. However, these drugs can make bleeding worse because they interfere with platelets, cells that help the blood clot. Instead, other pain management strategies, such as acetaminophen for pain relief, should be considered under the guidance of a doctor.
7. Clot-Preserving Medications
There are medications available that help keep the blood clotting process intact. These clot-preserving medications can help reduce the risk of a bleed by making sure the body’s natural processes work as well as they can. Doctors often suggest these medications for people who are managing a long-term form of hemophilia.
8. Avoid Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are drugs used to prevent blood clots, often prescribed for conditions like heart or blood vessel diseases. For someone with hemophilia, taking anticoagulants can be risky because these medications further reduce the ability of the blood to clot. People with hemophilia are generally advised by their doctors to avoid these drugs to prevent an increased risk of bleeding.
9. Ensure Good Dental Hygiene
Good dental care is very important for people with hemophilia. Even small dental procedures can lead to bleeding if the condition is not managed carefully. Regular dental check-ups and proper brushing and flossing can help avoid dental issues that might require invasive treatments.
10. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can play a major role in a hemophilia treatment plan. Regular exercise and stretching are important to keep muscles and joints strong. Physical therapists help create safe exercise plans that avoid injuries while still promoting good fitness. They work with patients to improve balance, flexibility and strength, which helps in preventing falls and joint bleeds.