Hemophilia Carrier
Hemophilia is a blood clotting disorder, meaning it can lead to too much (excessive) bleeding. A hemophilia carrier is someone who has the hemophilia gene but doesn't have hemophilia themselves. Carrying the gene means they may pass it on to their children.
What Is a Hemophilia Carrier?
Hemophilia is a blood clotting disorder passed down from parents (genetic). With hemophilia, there is not enough (deficiency) of one of the proteins that helps blood clot. This means people with this disorder have a lot of bleeding (excessive) after injuries and surgeries. Some who carry the hemophilia gene have no symptoms and normal factor levels, some have normal factor levels and bleeding symptoms, and some have low levels and bleeding symptoms. Anyone born female who is at risk for hemophilia should be seen in the Hemophilia Treatment Center.Signs and Symptoms
Not all hemophilia carriers have symptoms. If they do, they range from mild to severe. Those with symptoms may have more bleeding, like:
- Nosebleeds and gum bleeding.
- Easy bruising.
- Heavy menstrual periods.
- Bleeding after an injury, surgery, or childbirth.
- Joint or muscle bleeding. This is rare.
Diagnosis
There are 2 blood tests to see if you carry the hemophilia gene.
- Factor levels test – This is done to see how much clotting factors (proteins) are in your blood. If there is a low amount, you may carry the gene.
- Genetic test – This can confirm if you or your child carries the hemophilia gene.
Treatment
Tell your doctor or health care provider if you have hemophilia. Treatment for some carriers may be the same medicines used for people with hemophilia.Next Steps
Safety
- Do not give your child aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®), or naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®). These may make bleeding worse.
- Only give acetaminophen (Tylenol®), meloxicam (Mobic®), or celecoxib (Celebrex®) for pain or fever.
- Check the label on over-the-counter cold, flu, and pain medicines. These may contain aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Tell your child’s doctor, health care provider, or hematologist if they’re using herbal remedies or over-the-counter medicines.
- Contact the hemophilia center if your child needs surgery or dental work.
- Your child should get vaccines recommended by their doctor or health care provider.
- Check with your child’s hematologist before they start any sports or intense activities.
- Have your child wear medical identification (ID). This can be a bracelet, necklace, or sports band. This lets others know about their condition in emergencies.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your child’s doctor, health care provider, or hematologist if they have:
- Been hit hard on their head or neck.
- Nosebleeds that last more than 15 minutes or happen more often.
- Menstrual periods that are heavier than normal or last more than 7 days, or if they’re passing clots bigger than a quarter.
- Bleeding from the mouth, lips, or gums that lasts more than 15 minutes after applying pressure and ice.
- Small cuts that bleed for more than 15 minutes or are not controlled.
- Blood in their pee (urine) or poop (stool).
- A procedure, surgery, or dental work scheduled.
- Any side effects that aren’t getting better.
- Signs or symptoms of iron deficiency like headaches, pale skin, dizziness, or craving unusual foods, like ice chips or clay.
- Swollen, tender, warm, painful, or stiff joints.
- Severe back pain.
- A raised bump under the skin.
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