New Delhi: Hemophilia is a medical condition in which the blood does not clot properly. Because of this, even a small injury can lead to longer bleeding than normal. In some cases, bleeding may happen inside the body, especially in joints and muscles, without being clearly visible at first.
On World Hemophilia Day, doctors say awareness and daily care are very important. Treatment plays a major role, but lifestyle choices also matter. Many risks can be reduced when people know what to avoid and how to protect themselves.
According to Dr Arushi Agarwal, Consultant Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist at Asian Hospital, people living with hemophilia can lead active and healthy lives if they take the right precautions.
Hemophilia usually happens because the body does not have enough clotting factors, which help stop bleeding. This means injuries may need faster medical attention. Repeated bleeding into joints can also cause long-term pain and damage.
Doctors say careful management is not about fear. It is about making smart everyday choices. Here are five important things people with hemophilia should avoid to prevent serious complications.
One of the most important precautions is avoiding activities that carry a high risk of injury. Contact sports such as football, boxing, wrestling and hockey can increase the chance of bleeding after a hit or fall.
Even if the injury looks small on the outside, bleeding may happen inside the body. Joints like knees, ankles and elbows are especially at risk. Repeated joint bleeding can lead to swelling, stiffness and permanent damage over time.
Experts recommend safer physical activities such as:
Swimming
Walking
Light cycling
Yoga with guidance
Stretching exercises
These activities help keep the body strong while lowering the risk of injury.
Another unsafe habit to avoid is becoming completely inactive. Some people may stop all exercise because they fear injury. However, a sedentary lifestyle can weaken muscles and increase pressure on joints.
Weak muscles may make falls or instability more likely. Lack of movement can also lead to weight gain, which puts extra stress on knees and ankles.
Doctors advise following a supervised exercise routine that improves strength, balance and flexibility.
People with hemophilia should also be careful at home and work. Simple steps can reduce accidents, such as:
Keeping floors dry and clear
Wearing proper footwear
Using protective gear if needed
Being cautious on stairs
Avoiding rough physical play
Daily safety habits can greatly lower bleeding risks.
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Another serious mistake is ignoring early warning signs of bleeding. Internal bleeding does not always begin with obvious symptoms.
Sometimes the first signs are:
Tingling in a joint
Mild pain
Warmth or swelling
Stiffness
Reduced movement
If these symptoms are ignored, bleeding can continue and become more severe. Over time, repeated untreated bleeds may damage joints and muscles.
Doctors say treatment should begin quickly when symptoms appear. Early action can prevent pain, reduce recovery time and protect long-term health.
People with hemophilia should also avoid taking medicines without medical advice. Some common over-the-counter medicines can make bleeding worse.
Drugs often used for pain or fever, such as aspirin and some anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen, may affect platelet function and increase bleeding risk.
This does not mean all medicines are dangerous, but it means every medicine should be checked first with a doctor.
Even herbal products or supplements should not be taken casually. Some may interfere with treatment or increase bleeding chances.
People should keep a list of safe medicines approved by their healthcare provider.
Dental care is another area that should not be neglected. Poor oral hygiene can cause gum disease, bleeding gums and infections. These problems may become harder to manage in people with hemophilia.
Doctors advise:
Brushing gently twice daily
Flossing carefully if recommended
Regular dental check-ups
Informing the dentist about hemophilia before treatment
Preventing dental problems is often easier than treating them later.
Families of children with hemophilia should also teach safe habits early. Children may need support in school sports, playground activity and injury prevention.
Teachers and caregivers should know about the condition and understand what to do in an emergency.
Modern treatment options have greatly improved quality of life for people with hemophilia. Many patients today study, work, travel and exercise normally with proper planning and care.
Regular medical follow-up remains important. Doctors may recommend clotting factor treatment, preventive therapy or other plans based on severity.
People should attend scheduled appointments and discuss any change in symptoms, pain or lifestyle needs.
Mental health support can also help. Living with a long-term condition may create anxiety, especially after repeated injuries or hospital visits. Family support and counselling can make a difference.
Experts say the key message is balance. People with hemophilia do not need to stop living fully. They need to live wisely.
That means avoiding risky behaviour, staying active safely, recognising symptoms early and following medical advice.
With awareness and proper care, serious complications can often be prevented.
Hemophilia requires caution, but it does not have to limit dreams or goals. With the right support system and healthy habits, people with hemophilia can enjoy strong, active and fulfilling lives.
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