Home - health - 4 Effective Ways To Manage Hemophilia
4 effective ways to manage hemophilia

4 effective ways to manage hemophilia

Hemophilia is a health condition in which the patient’s blood fails to clot normally due to the absence of clotting factors like Factor VIII and Factor IX. In most cases, this disease is genetically passed through generations, mainly affecting males. In patients with low clotting factors, spontaneous and injury-related bleeding can have fatal results. According to CDC, 12 people per 100,000 males in the country have hemophilia A. Here are four ways to manage the disease:

Effective trea tment options
Even though this condition is non-curable, there are ways to minimize symptoms and keep it under control. The treatment varies as per the type of disease detected in the patient. It is important to remember that the main purpose of the treatment is to reduce bleeding and promote blood clotting.

Hemlibra, Recombinant Factor Concentrates, and Kovaltry are three different types of treatment advised for patients suffering from this kind of blood disorder.

Hemlibra
This is prophylaxis that needs to be prescribed by a practicing health professional. It is given to patients suffering from Hemophilia A, and its main objective is to reduce bleeding in the patient. It is prescribed for newborns, kids of all ages, and adults alike.

Recombinant Factor Concentrates
These are derived from animal cells that use the human gene to make the factor protein. Recombinant factors 8,9, and 7A have been in use since the 1990s. Doctors advise these concentrates for patients with hemophilia with an inhibitor against Factor 8 or 9.

Kovaltry
It is a treatment offered to patients suffering from Hemophilia A and is used to replace clotting Factor VIII. It is recommended for adults and kids. Regular usage as prophylaxis, this treatment can effectively lessen bleeding episodes.

These treatments should not be self-prescribed. You need to speak to a healthcare provider and inform them of all your symptoms before starting these treatments.

Good food habits – What to eat

Increase fruit and vegetable intake
Since blood loss is the main problem in hemophilia patients, they are advised to eat lots of green leafy veggies and fruits rich in iron. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, dried beans, etc., are the best. Consuming citrus fruits like oranges filled with vitamin C fasten iron absorption by the circulatory system.

Increase whole-grain foods intake
Oats, brown rice, brown pasta, barley, bran, etc., keep cholesterol and blood sugar under control.

Switch to low-fat dairy products or choose good fats
Foods low in saturated fats or high in unsaturated fats are highly recommended for patients. These keep the cholesterol level in the blood under control. Recommended foods are olives, olive oil, skimmed milk, seeds, avocados, nuts like walnuts, soybeans, and oils of sunflower, corn, safflower, or canola. These are also rich in vitamins and minerals, keeping the bone structure strong.

Stay hydrated
Never cut down on water consumption. Make sure you have eight to ten glasses of water every day. Blood is mostly water and needs to be in the same state. Plus, hydration helps find veins easily, which is a big help during an infusion. Additionally, water is essential for the joints and cells to work optimally.

Tips to cook food

  • Instead of frying the vegetables, you can also opt for baked, grilled, or boiled veggies.
  • It is also advised that people with hemophilia have smaller portions of food at once. If you travel or carry food to the office, do so in containers that come with measurements.
  • When buying food ingredients, it is imperative to read the labels thoroughly to avoid high-fat and sugary foods. Labels mention the calories, fats (saturated & unsaturated), and content of sugar, sodium, and other minerals.
  • Eating your food slowly helps in a healthier digestion process. So, focus on chewing your food for better health.
  • Have meat-free meals since meats are typically high in fats, which can lead to cholesterol issues.

Lifestyle remedies

Physical exercise
Avoid playing sports like hockey, soccer, and wrestling. Make sure you exercise regularly to keep your bones and muscles protected. Walking, swimming and cycling are some of the best options.

Use protective gear
Brace yourself to protect yourself from injuries to reduce the risk of bleeding. Wearing helmets, knee and elbow pads, and safety belts are advised. Also, at home, ensure that there are lesser sharp-edged furniture and household items.

Maintain oral health
Keep your teeth and gums healthy so that there are fewer chances of dental bleeding.

Use emergency devices
A health alert bracelet is advised for kids, elderly patients, and adults. This helps people know that you are a patient with hemophilia in public places, especially during emergencies. Additionally, it is important to keep people around you, like office colleagues, peers, neighbors, teachers, etc., informed about your health condition.

People who have hemophilia should take care of their food habits and BMI levels by making the right food and lifestyle choices. Never run away or feel embarrassed to ask for help. If you experience any hemophilia symptoms, consult a licensed healthcare provider at the earliest. These tips will help you manage and treat the condition before it progresses.

Latest Articles

5 smart ways of using tablet computers
Tablets

5 smart ways of using tablet computers

You see tablet computers everywhere. More and more people are now moving toward tablets in offices, coffee shops, homes, and even schools. This is because they offer more power and uses than a smartphone and better portability than a desktop or even a laptop. Tablets have many more uses than simply checking your emails or browsing social media. Here are some interesting ways to find more uses for your tablet computer: Second screen Some people like to work on two screens at a time due to the demand of their work. This also enhances productivity and cuts down on time. It is easy to mirror your Android to another Android or even a computer. To use your tablet as an extended display, you need to install an application on your computer and connect the tablet to it using a USB cable or Wi-Fi. Some of the best app options to do this include Spacedesk, Google Remote Desktop, iDisplay, Duet Display, etc. As a remote to control electronics Tablet computers can be easily used to control your electronics. A tablet is larger than a remote and much easier to find and operate with better features. You can control your PC and television with it. It can also dim your home lights, open your garage door, and operate your smart fridge and washing machine. For instance, if you have a Sony Smart TV, you can use the TV Sideview application for your Apple and Android systems. E-Reader If you are an avid reader and have an old tablet, you don’t need to purchase a new e-reader. Your tablet can easily be used as an e-reader to browse your favorite books, magazines, comic strips, and even news applications. Since tablet screens have more glare, we suggest getting an anti-glare film on the screen.
Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia
health

Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia

Potassium is an essential nutrient that allows your body to function optimally. A meal plan rich in potassium allows proper nerve function and regulates your heartbeat. However, certain conditions such as kidney diseases and consuming food rich in potassium excessively may increase its levels in your bloodstream leading to a condition known as hyperkalemia . Let’s look at foods you should limit to keep your potassium within normal levels. Bananas The first food that comes to mind when people think of potassium sources is bananas. One medium-sized banana contains almost 422 mg of potassium. Though it would take a lot of bananas to cause an overdose of potassium, if you are also eating other foods rich in potassium, it will lead to excessive potassium levels in your blood, which in turn, will trigger hyperkalemia . Tomato Sauce and Paste Raw tomatoes contain a decent amount of potassium. One medium tomato has about 292 mg of potassium. Concentrated forms of tomatoes, such as sauces, salsa, paste, puree, etc., contain even higher amounts of potassium. For instance, a small cup of tomato sauce contains almost 728 mg potassium. So, it is advised to skip tomato sauce and opt for alternatives such as basil or roasted red peppers. Milk If you have been advised a low potassium meal plan, you must avoid milk or at least its consumption needs to be reduced. A cup of whole milk contains around 350 mg of potassium. The lower the amount of fat in milk, the higher the potassium content. While you may have a small serving of milk daily, it should not exceed 300 ml. It means avoiding milk and dairy products such as buttermilk, yogurt, milk-based sweets, ice creams, and other desserts. Oranges and Orange Juice Oranges have a very high potassium content and are best avoided if diagnosed with hyperkalemia .
7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer
Tech

7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer

With all the options of computer brands available in the market today, you might think it is effortless to pick up one. However, with so many choices, it can get tricky as buying a computer is a hefty, long-term investment. That’s why you should be aware of some common buying mistakes people would make while purchasing this device. And so, here are a few things to avoid before you invest in a computer : Buying without knowing your needs Never buy a computer just because everyone is buying it or there’s a lot of hype around it. While you may want to prioritize aesthetics and popularity, you need to identify your need for a computer and its software . Make a list of all the features that you would need and get the computer configured accordingly. Unfamiliar with different software programs Not knowing the right software may cost you heavily. Purchasing expensive software with a long list of features may not be the best thing to do if half of these features don’t even apply to your work. Next, know how to install and use the software. You also need to know if the software is protected against bugs with an antivirus program and consider the after-sale service of the software. Not considering different operating systems There are four primary operating systems you should know – Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Linux. While technology has made it easier to switch between these operating systems, you may often find one or more applications not working on alternative systems. So, if you have an expensive software installed, check with your developer if it will be compatible with the OS you plan to get. Not accounting for other computer costs A common mistake made by many while purchasing a computer is not accounting for other costs that are part of the bundle.