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Hemophilia is a hereditary disease that does not allow blood to clot properly. There are two known forms of Hemophilia which are known as Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B.

Hemophilia A is the most common type and people with this type of Hemophilia have lower levels of factor VIII, which is a clotting factor. There are over 17,000 people in the United States with this type and it is found in primarily males but can also affect women. There are cases of Hemophilia A throughout the entire world.

Hemophilia B is also called the Christmas disease. It was named this after the first person was found to have this type of Hemophilia. Persons with type of Hemophilia have lower levels of factor IX. Factor IX is a coagulation factor. This type is also seen throughout the world and mainly in males.

Both types of Hemophilia have the same or similar symptoms and signs which include longer than normal bleeding from abrasions or cuts, unexplained bleeding, bruise easily with out a known cause, pain and swelling in the joints and muscles due to unexplained bleeding, blood found in the stool or urine, and in the case of infants longer bleeding after circumcision. These symptoms differ with each individual and can be mild to severe.

To be diagnosed if you believe you child may have hemophilia the physician will have to due a few blood tests after getting a family history. The test will show if there are any coagulation factors in the blood by the clotting time.

Prevention is the first thing to consider if you have hemophilia. You should watch the activities that you do in order to ensure that you do not cause a bleed. Your physician can talk with you about many daily activities that can cause bleeds and how to work around injuring your joints. The prevention is better than the cure as in most cases.

Your doctor can you with regular exercise and good nutrition to begin with that can aid in stopping bleeding episodes. Learning to use protective gear while enjoying all kinds of normal activities can also help you not to bleed. You can enjoy all kinds of activities even if you have hemophilia such as fishing, golf, swimming, cycling, hiking and even walking. Just remember to talk with your physician he will be able to help you know how to better protect your self so you can enjoy everything in life you deserve.

Treatments include infusions of blood clotting factors; these can be done at several locations