Hemophilia: When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

Call your health professional if you or your child has one or more of the following symptoms of a bleeding episode:

• Easy bruising
• A wound that does not stop bleeding easily or continues to ooze blood
• Limited motion or obvious swelling in a limb

If you know that your child has hemophilia:

• Immediate treatment is needed for head injuries, because they are very dangerous. Call 911 or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room when a head injury occurs. If you are trained in treating hemophilia and have the supplies, begin infusions first.
• Call your health professional about other types of injuries if you are unsure whether treatment is necessary.

Watchful Waiting

Most people who have hemophilia become skilled at recognizing early signs of bleeding. Work with your health professional to develop a plan for what to do if you or your child has a bleeding episode. This will allow you to start treatment immediately when a bleeding episode is suspected.

A child with hemophilia who is injured should be treated to prevent long-term damage to muscles and joints.

Most people who have hemophilia are cared for by teams who educate the person and his or her family, as well as their health providers, teachers, and coworkers, about hemophilia. If you have hemophilia, inform your health professionals and people you see often, such as coworkers and close friends. Likewise, people who care for your child, such as school officials or day care staff, should be aware that your child has hemophilia.

People with hemophilia and their families often know a lot about the disease and its treatment. This knowledge can help the person with hemophilia get the right treatment quickly.

Who To See

The following health professionals can help diagnose hemophilia:

• Family medicine physician
• Pediatrician
• Internist
• Orthopedic surgeon (these doctors treat problems related to bleeding in the joints)

After you or your child is diagnosed with hemophilia, one of the following health professionals can help you develop a treatment plan or provide urgent care:

• Pediatrician
• Internist
• Hematologist (blood specialist)
• Family medicine physician
• Emergency medicine specialist (when bleeding is severe or a child has had a head injury)

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	August 20, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC