Bleeding Disorder Treatment 

Bleeding disorders are also known as coagulation disorders. People who suffer from bleeding disorders cannot properly form blood clots. Thus, they can suffer from severe bleeding from even minor cuts. Also, people with bleeding disorders run  the risk of internal bleeding  or hemorrhage.
  
There  are a number of  bleeding disorders. Some  of the more common include: 

• hemophilia  
• hypoprothrombinemia  
• thrombocytopenia  
• Von Willebrand's disease. 

While some people who suffer from coagulation disorders will show symptoms, others will not. Bleeding disorder symptoms will vary depending on  the type  of coagulation disorder from which you suffer. Common symptoms  of bleeding disorders include: 

• bloody stools 
• bloody vomit 
• excessive bleeding during surgery 
• fatigue  
• heavy menstrual flow  in women 
• nosebleeds  
• Severe bruising. 

If you experience any of the above symptoms, schedule  an appointment with your doctor to see if you have a bleeding disorder. However, it is  important to point out that many people who have bleeding disorders won't exhibit any symptoms. Thus, it is important  for you  to visit your doctor regularly, especially if coagulation disorders run in your family.
 
Although bleeding disorders can be life-threatening, there are  a number of medications a person  can take and many lifestyle changes a person can  make in order to reduce bleeding disorder symptoms  and complications.
 
In this section, we'll discuss bleeding disorder treatment. We'll offer information on the medications that are available to treat bleeding disorders. We'll discuss the pros and cons  of each  and also list the effectiveness of the treatments. In addition, we'll offer tips on lifestyle changes people can make to reduce the risk of complications from bleeding disorders. 

Desmopressin 

Desmopressin  is a medication that is similar  to a hormone that is naturally found in  the body. While desmopressin  is often used to prevent  and control excessive urination, thirst and dehydration, it  is also beneficial in preventing  people who  suffer from mild to  moderate hemophilia from experiencing bleeding during dental  and minor surgical procedures. In addition, it can treat mild bleeding episodes.
 
Desmopressin works by increasing  the amount  of clotting factor VII  in a person's blood. The effectiveness  of the medication will vary from person to person.
Side effects  of desmopressin include: 

• congestion  
• fatigue  
• fluid retention 
• flushing  of the face  and neck 
• headaches  
• Increase  in pulse and/or blood pressure. 

People who have severe cases of hemophilia, patients who  are less than 1 year old  and people who have serious injuries should not take desmopressin. 

Physical Therapy 

In addition  to taking medication, there are certain exercises a person can perform in order to  reduce the symptoms  of their bleeding disorder.  In addition, physical therapy can reduce a person's risk of developing complications from coagulation disorders.
 
For instance, people  with hemophilia should follow a physical therapy regimen  and get regular exercise  in order to improve  and maintain muscle strength. Having strong muscles will protect  and cushion  the joints, reducing the chance of bleeding in the joints.
 
Most people with hemophilia will benefit from: 

• bicycling  
• hiking  
• swimming  
• Walking. 

Talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise or physical therapy. 

Corticosteroids  and Immune Globulin 

People who suffer from the autoimmune disorder idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) may benefit from corticosteroids or intravenous immune globulin: 
Corticosteroids:  Corticosteroids help regulate the immune system. 
Intravenous Immune Globulin:  Intravenous immune globulin contains a high number  of antibodies. 
If you suffer from ITP, talk to your doctor about  the benefits and risks of corticosteroids  and immune globulin. 

Notes: DrJMinor

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EditText of this page (last edited December 23, 2009)