causes of haemophilia - #15029
I am really confused about all this stuff with my son. He's 8 and just got diagnosed with haemophilia a few weeks ago after a few unexplained bruises and a random nosebleed that wouldn’t stop. The doctor said it's hereditary and mentioned something about genetic factors being the main causes of haemophilia, which got me thinking. I mean, I knew it could run in families, but I never thought it would hit us. His grandpa had some bleeding issues but nothing that serious, and now I'm freaking out, wondering about the causes of haemophilia and how it could affect his future. Like are there other causes of haemophilia that we need to watch out for or is it strictly genetic? I’ve read somewhere that environmental factors could play a role too, but I’m not really clear on that. Could other health issues influence his condition or is it purely down to genetics? Trust me, I’m super worried about just what this diagnosis really means for him. How do I protect him, and what should I know about the causes of haemophilia that aren’t just about family history? I just want to understand it better!
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Doctors’ responses
Haemophilia is primarily a genetic condition, which means it’s usually inherited. Around 70% of cases are hereditary, passed down through mutations typically on the X chromosome. Since males have only one X chromosome, they are more likely to express the disease when they inherit the mutant gene. Females may be carriers, often with no symptoms, because they have a second X chromosome that can potentially counterbalance the mutant one. In your son’s case, it’s very possible he inherited it from a family member, like his grandfather, even if the latter didn’t present severe symptoms. While genetic factors are overwhelmingly the chief cause, some rare cases occur due to spontaneous mutations, where there’s no family history at all. It accounts for about 30% of hemophilia cases. Environmental factors or other health conditions don’t influence the onset of hemophilia directly. However, how he manages his condition can be influenced by lifestyle choices, like avoiding contact sports to reduce injury risk which could lead to bleeding episodes. Additionally, it’s important to maintain routine follow-ups with a hematologist, who can help tailor a treatment and prophylaxis plan specific to his needs. In the event of an injury, or signs like excessive bruising or joint stiffness, getting immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent complications. Be sure he gets the right doses of clotting factor concentrates as prescribed. Educating yourself and your family on signs of bleeding and how to handle them will be invaluable. Keep communication open with healthcare professionals for up-to-date information and support networks that can offer additional guidance.
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