Bleeding Disorder
Bleeding disorders are those in which blood clot formation is delayed. Symptoms include bleeding after injury, surgery, trauma, or menstruation. Sometimes the bleeding is spontaneous, without a known or identifiable cause. Improper clotting can be caused by defects in blood components such as platelets and/or clotting proteins, also called clotting factors. The body produces 13 clotting factors. If any of them are defective or deficient, blood clotting is affected; a mild, moderate or severe bleeding disorder can result.
Some bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, can be inherited or acquired. Others can occur from conditions such as as anemia, cirrhosis of the liver, HIV, leukemia, and vitamin K deficiency. They also can result from certain medications that thin the blood, including aspirin, heparin, and warfarin.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a bleeding disorder include:
- Bleeding into joints, muscles and soft tissues
- Excessive bruising
- Prolonged, heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia)
- Unexplained nose bleeds
- Extended bleeding after minor cuts, blood draws or vaccinations, minor surgery or dental procedures
Treatment
Treatment for bleeding disorders varies, depending on the condition and its severity. For some bleeding disorders, there are clotting factor concentrates that can be infused prophylactically or on-demand at home, to prevent or treat bleeds. Some women with bleeding disorders may use hormone therapy (birth control pills) to manage heavy periods. For other bleeding disorders, there are topical products, nasal sprays, and fresh frozen plasma, which are administered in a hospital setting.
