Hemophilia affects persons of all races, nationalities and economic backgrounds. A person with hemophilia has either an inactive or an inadequate supply of one of several factors needed for blood to clot normally. Minor cuts are easily treated, but bleeding is often internal, into joints and tissues. Without proper treatment of the swelling caused by this internal bleeding, permanent disabling damage may ensue. Bleeding can begin for no apparent reason or be the result of a bump, a bruise, or an injury.
Hemophilia can be mild, moderate, or severe.
The major types of hemophilia are hemophilia A and the less common hemophilia B, also called Christmas disease. Many mild cases are not diagnosed until after the occurrence of an injury or major surgery. Treating hemophilia Hemophilia is treated each time internal bleeding occurs by infusing into a vein a clotting factor. Available in a concentrated freeze-dried form, clotting factor enables people with hemophilia to treat themselves at home, work and school. This development has opened new job, travel and social opportunities for many people with hemophilia.