Test Your Knowledge of Bleeding Disorders

"What Is A Bleeding Disorder?

Bleeding disorders are conditions in which the blood does not clot normally because certain proteins in the blood are missing or do not work properly.

Von Willebrand Disease

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a disorder in which the blood does not clot properly. Blood contains many proteins that help the blood clot when needed. One of these proteins is called von Willebrand factor (VWF). People with VWD either have a low level of VWF in their blood or the VWF protein doesn’t work the way it should. There are three types of VWD: type 1 (the most common and mildest form of VWD), type 2, and type 3 (the most severe form of VWD).

The signs and symptoms of VWD include:

• Frequent or hard-to-stop nosebleeds.
• Easy bruising.
• Longer-than-normal bleeding after injury, surgery, and dental work.
• Women with VWD can experience heavy or abnormal bleeding during menstrual periods and after childbirth.

Hemophilia

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly due to a lack or decrease in a protein called clotting factor. The two most common types of hemophilia are hemophilia A, which is due to a lack of clotting factor VIII (8) and hemophilia B, which is due to a lack of clotting factor IX (9).

The signs and symptoms of hemophilia include:

• Frequent or hard-to-stop nosebleeds.
• Easy bruising.
• Longer-than-normal bleeding after injury, surgery, and dental work.
• Bleeding into the joints. This can cause swelling and pain or tightness in the joints; it often affects the knees, elbows, and ankles.
• Bleeding into the skin (which is bruising) or muscle and soft tissue causing a build-up of blood in the area (called a hematoma).

Who Is Affected by Bleeding Disorders?

VWD is the most common bleeding disorder, found in up to 1% of the U.S. population. This means that 3.2 million (or about 1 in every 100) people in the United States have the disease. Although VWD occurs among men and women equally, women are more likely to notice the symptoms because of heavy or abnormal bleeding during their menstrual periods and after childbirth.

The exact number of people with hemophilia is unknown.

The majority of hemophilia and VWD cases are inherited and there is a known family history of the disorder. However, about one-third of families with babies who are diagnosed with hemophilia report having no known history of the disorder. Hemophilia can also be caused by a spontaneous (random) change in a mother or child’s gene.

Read personal stories from people who have VWD and hemophilia to learn more about their experiences. Living with the complications of a bleeding disorder can be challenging; however, with treatment, people with bleeding disorders can manage their bleeding symptoms..."
Bleeding disorders