Hemophilia

Hemophilia

__What is Hemophilia?__ __(in less than 50 words)__ Factor VII deficiency, and the Christmas Disease are different types of a blood disorder scientifically known as **Hemophilia.** Hemophilia is a rare blood ailment that stops the blood from clotting normally due to missing or having little of one of the 13 clotting factors in the blood, so hemophiliacs (people with the disorder) bleed longer and more excessively than people without hemophilia.

__Types of Hemophilia__ In actuality, there are 3 kinds of hemophilia-

1. **Hemophilia A** : Also known as Classis Hemophilia and Factor VIII deficiency, this is the most common type of hemophilia. It affects around 1 in 5000 males in the U.S, and 80% of people with hemophilia have type A. Females can also have hemophilia but it is especially uncommon.

2. **Hemophilia B** : Also known as the Christmas Disease after Stephen Christmas, this is a much more rare form of hemophilia. About 20% of people with hemophilia have type B, and it affects roughly 1 in 25000 males.

3. **Hemophilia C** : Also known as Factor XI deficiency, this type of hemophilia is 10 times rarer than hemophilia A. Hemophilia C is distinct because it affects women more commonly than the other cases.

4. **Von Willebrands Disease** : This is the most rare type of hemophilia, and affects both men and women equally. Around 1-2% of people have Von Willebrands Disease.

__How is it Transmitted?__ Hemophilia is a genetic disease (it is transmitted through your biological parents) which you are born with. The clotting factor hemophiliacs have little of or are missing is carried by the X Chromosome, and as males have only one X Chromosome, is much more common in males. It is not something you catch that goes away in a period of time, like a cold. It affects around 1 in 4000 males. Females can also contract the disorder but it is very uncommon.

__Symptoms of this Disease?__ The main symptom of hemophilia is longer and heavier bleeding incidents, but this differs by how serious the hemophiliac has it. Examples of bleeding incidents for hemophiliacs include random nosebleeds and heavy/gushing blood from small cuts and scrapes. Hemophiliacs are also more prone to bruising, and apart from the external bleeding, often experience hemorrhaging (internal bleeding). The hemorrhaging happens mainly in the joints, but severe hemophiliacs can even get it in their brains. This can occur from critical head injuries or even a tiny bump in the head. Nonetheless, symptoms can always be treated (and should be).

__Is Hemophilia Deadly? Can it be Treated?__ In a sense, hemophilia is life threatening, as serious hemophiliacs can become paralyzed, or even bleed to death. However, by seeking proper medical treatment, hemophiliacs can live healthy, happy lives. Hemophiliacs must be injected with a special clotting drug whenever they bruise or bleed in order to stop the incidents.

__Living with the Disease__ A hoosier hemophiliac who is still able to live a happy, healthy lifestyle :D media type="youtube" key="YzzdDY_lxA8" height="345" width="560"

References: Hemophilia. (n.d.). //KidsHealth - the Web's most visited site about children's health//. Retrieved August 19, 2011, from http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/hemophilia.html Hemophilia signs and symptoms, bleeding, bruising. (n.d.). //National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute//. Retrieved August 20, 2011, from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hemophilia/hemophilia_signs.html Hemophilia: What is it? . (n.d.). //Your Genes, Your Health//. Retrieved August 19, 2011, from http://www.ygyh.org/hemo/ The Basics on Genes and Genetic Disorders. (n.d.). //KidsHealth - the Web's most visited site about children's health//. Retrieved August 19, 2011, from http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/health_basics/genes_genetic_disorders.html Types of Hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. (n.d.). //Welcome to the Hemophilia Information site//. Retrieved August 21, 2011, from http://www.hemophilia-information.com/types-of-hemophilia.html eHow. (n.d.). Hemophilia The Royal Disease - YouTube. //YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.//. Retrieved August 21, 2011, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVHbMuBK8CI&feature=related illumistream. (n.d.). Hemophilia - YouTube. //YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.//. Retrieved August 20, 2011, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0ZoEGnTAM0

Claire Chang 9.2