What Are Bleeding Disorders?
Bleeding disorders are a group of medical conditions that affect the body’s ability to form blood clots. Normally, when a person is injured, a complex process involving platelets and clotting proteins (called clotting factors) stops the bleeding.
In people with bleeding disorders, one or more parts of this process do not work properly. As a result, bleeding may last longer than normal or occur internally without an obvious injury.
Bleeding disorders can be inherited (genetic) or acquired later in life, but many of the most well-known conditions, such as haemophilia and von Willebrand disease, are inherited.
The most common inherited bleeding disorders include:
Haemophilia A – caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII
Haemophilia B – caused by a deficiency of clotting factor IX
von Willebrand Disease (vWD) – caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of the von Willebrand factor protein
Each disorder affects the clotting process differently and may vary in severity.
Symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the disorder, but common signs include:
Frequent or unexplained bruising
Nosebleeds that are difficult to stop
Bleeding gums
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Prolonged bleeding after injury, surgery, or dental work
Bleeding into joints or muscles (more common in haemophilia)
In more severe cases, bleeding can occur internally without obvious injury and may require urgent medical care.
Diagnosing a bleeding disorder typically involves:
Reviewing personal and family bleeding history
Physical examination
Specialized blood tests to measure clotting factors and proteins involved in clotting
Early diagnosis is important because it allows individuals to receive appropriate treatment and support.
While many bleeding disorders cannot be cured, they can be effectively managed with modern treatment. Treatment plans depend on the specific disorder and its severity.
Management may include:
Replacement of missing clotting factors
Medications that help the body release stored clotting proteins
Antifibrinolytic medicines that stabilize blood clots
Preventive treatment to reduce the risk of bleeding
With proper care and access to treatment, most people with bleeding disorders can live active and healthy lives.
A bleeding disorder is a medical condition that affects the body’s ability to form blood clots, which can lead to prolonged or excessive bleeding.
Many bleeding disorders, including haemophilia and von Willebrand disease, are inherited genetic conditions passed down through families.
Most inherited bleeding disorders cannot currently be cured, but they can be effectively managed with modern treatments, allowing people to live active lives.
Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder worldwide.
Patients can receive care at specialised Haemophilia Treatment Centres (HTCs) across South Africa, where multidisciplinary teams manage diagnosis and treatment.