Bleeding disorders
Bleeding disorders prevent blood from clotting normally when a person is cut or injured. When the blood does not clot normally, even minor injuries can cause significant bleeding, which can lead to excessive blood loss or can damage muscles or joints.
Bleeding disorders occur when there is a problem with various components of the blood, including platelets and clotting factors.
- Platelets are blood cells that are the first defense against bleeding. They collect at the site of a wound and clump together to help stop the flow of blood.
- Clotting factors are substances in the blood that help the blood clot when vessels are damaged.
How can you care for yourself when you have a clotting factor deficiency?
- Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
- Stay at a healthy body weight. If you are overweight, the additional stress on joints can trigger bleeding.
- Exercise safely. Avoid contact sports. Swim or walk to avoid excess pressure on your joints. Check with your doctor before doing activities that put you at high risk for falls, such as riding a bike.
- Brush and floss your teeth daily. This may help you avoid problems that could lead to having a tooth pulled.
- Avoid aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). They can increase the chance of bleeding.
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Take care to prevent accidents at home:
- Make sure rugs are tacked down so you do not slip.
- Keep furniture with sharp edges out of pathways.
- Use nonskid floor wax.
- Wipe up spills quickly.
- If you live in an area that gets snow and ice in the winter, sprinkle salt on steps and sidewalks.
- Avoid loose-fitting shoes. You might lose your balance and fall.
- Wear medical alert jewelry that lists your clotting problem. You can buy this at most drugstores.
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