World Hemophilia Day is an international awareness day for hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. It is held annually on April 17, date of the birthday of Frank Schnabel, founder of the World Federation of Hemophilia.
Hemophilia is a mostly inherited genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to make blood clots, a process needed to stop bleeding. This results in people bleeding longer after an injury, easy bruising, and an increased risk of bleeding inside joints or the brain. Bleeding into a joint can result in permanent damage while bleeding in the brain can result in long term headaches, seizures, or a decreased level of consciousness.
There are two types of hemophilia, both with the same symptoms:
Haemophilia A - factor VIII (8) deficiency
Haemophilia B - factor IX (9) deficiency
Common symptoms:
- Bruising easily
- More painful swelling and bruising and bleeding for longer after an injury than you would expect •
- Prolonged bleeding after medical or dental procedures or surgery
- Internal bleeding into muscles, joints, and organs
