Causes Of Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a rare blood condition that prevents the body from clotting blood effectively. When anyone gets cut, clotting agents in the blood are meant to combine with platelets (a type of blood cell) to make the blood sticky, which enables it to clot and prevent excessive blood loss. When this function occurs properly, the wound will stop bleeding. However, individuals with hemophilia are unable to do this. When the body has a low level of clotting agents, an injury will bleed for longer than usual. There are many symptoms of hemophilia, ranging from mild to severe. In addition to prolonged bleeding after experiencing a cut, individuals may get nosebleeds or bleeding gums frequently. The skin can also bruise easily, and patients may experience joint pain and stiffness. Though the condition is rare, there are several factors known to cause hemophilia.

Inherited

Hemophilia is known to be caused by an inherited mutation. This genetic mutation mainly affects males, though women are susceptible, as well. The mutation occurs on the X chromosome, meaning it can be carried by the father, mother, or both. The chances of a person inheriting the hemophilia mutation will depend on which of their parents possesses the mutated gene. When the mother has the mutation, the baby has a one in four chance of inheriting the gene. Sometimes, individuals who carry the gene do not show any severe symptoms. However, female carriers are more likely to experience heavy bleeding during their menstrual cycle. If the father is the gene carrier, the likelihood of a child receiving the gene will depend on their sex. Boys inherit their X chromosome from their mothers, while girls can inherit it from their fathers.

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