First Aid For Bleeding Disorders
- Usually, standard first aid procedure is followed in case of a bleeding emergency; however, if it continues for more than 20 minutes, then professional help must be called.
- It is advisable for parents and people who work with children to undertake a first aid course to be always prepared for an uncalled – for circumstance. You might save a life!
What Are The Most Common Bleeding Disorders In Children?
Haemophilia is an inherent bleeding disorder that lasts a lifetime. People with haemophilia bleed for a longer period of time than those with normal clotting factor levels, but they don’t bleed fast.The majority of kids with this bleeding disorder have a regular, active childhood.
Depending on how much of the clotting factor is absent, haemophilia can be classified as severe, moderate, or mild. Factor VIII and factor IX are two important factors that impact blood coagulation. A youngster will typically experience more bleeding issues if the level of clotting factor is low.
- Children with severe haemophilia tend to bleed into their joints and muscles, frequently without causing an evident injury. Bleeding is primarily internal. A persistent injury, like arthritis, can be brought on by repeated bleeding into the same area.
- Children with moderate haemophilia only bleed after minor wounds and bruise quickly. In addition, if they fall or take a knock, they may experience internal bleeding in their joints.
- Children with mild haemophilia seldom bleed, it is usually after suffering a serious accident, undergoing surgery, or having a tooth pulled, but when they do, it is critical that they receive immediate medical assistance.
Does Haemophilia Spread Easily?
No. Living with or being close to someone with haemophilia does not cause you to develop the disease. It can only be genetically transmitted.
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a inherited bleeding disorder caused by a dysfunctional blood-clotting protein called von Willebrand factor (VWF).
The body needs the VWF to start a blood clot in order to stop bleeding after an operation or an injury. It’s crucial for assisting in forming necessary blood clots when one has a bleeding mouth, nose, or period. In order for the platelets to adhere to one another and form a blood clot, VWF functions as glue. In order to stop aberrant bleeding, the body needs the cooperation of various clotting proteins, including VWF.
How To Treat Bleeding During An Emergency
Most minor bleeding from wounds can be managed at home. Professional treatment may be required for more severe wounds.
For Bruises:
- Every two hours, apply an ice pack to the bruise for about 10 minutes. Avoid applying ice straight on the skin.
For Mouth Bleeding:
- Put pressure on the spot that is bleeding
- Apply some ice or an ice pop to the region
- When the bleeding stops, advise your child to avoid eating hard or hot foods, as they might cause the bleeding to resume
For Minor Scratches And Cuts:
- Apply pressure to the wound using sterile gauze, a bandage, or a clean towel after thoroughly rinsing the cut or wound.
Every child’s experience with a bleeding disorder is unique, and managing a chronic medical condition and the associated treatment can have a significant impact.
Can A Child With Bleeding Disorders Participate In Physical Activities?
Children with bleeding disorders are urged to play actively, participate in physical education (PE), and take part in suitable sports. These activities are crucial for healthy joints and muscles, the development of motor skills, and socialisation, even if they carry a risk of harm for any youngster. Strong muscles and joints also aid in preventing bleeding.
Some sports, like swimming, which builds strong muscles without putting stress on the joints, are especially beneficial for those with haemophilia. Other activities, like boxing, carry higher risks for all individuals, haemophiliac or not. World champions in sports like cycling and darts have been people with haemophilia.
Fast Facts About Haemophilia
1. Men make up the majority of haemophilia patients
A fascinating truth concerning haemophilia is that men only have one X chromosome, so they are unable to counterbalance the haemophilia gene with the other chromosome like females can.
2. Women are sometimes haemophilia gene carriers
However, this is not the same as having haemophilia. The issue is more likely to affect male children, but females can still carry the gene to their offspring by offsetting it with their other X chromosome.
3. There is a genetic test for haemophilia
This testing can be used to determine whether a woman is a carrier as well as to identify haemophilia in a child in the womb.
4. Christmas Disease
The second most prevalent form of haemophilia, haemophilia B, is frequently referred to as the “Christmas disease”. It was initially identified in a patient named Stephen Christmas in 1952.
5. The royal illness is another name for haemophilia B
This is due to the fact that Queen Victoria’s family in England was the most well-known to have the disorder, and she ultimately passed it on to the royal families of Germany, Spain, and Russia.
