Hemophilia is a disorder where the blood is unable to clot normally, and this leads to excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Blood contains proteins or clotting factors that can help stop bleeding; however, people with hemophilia have low levels of either factor VIII or IX, making them vulnerable to extreme blood loss. Nevertheless, this condition can be managed with the help of treatment options, meals plans, and lifestyle changes:

Treatment options
Doctors perform a physical examination to diagnose the condition. They can begin by asking you about the family’s health history, as this condition tends to run in families. Blood tests are also performed to detect the presence of both the clotting factors. These tests also analyze the type of hemophilia depending on the level of clotting factors in the blood. The different types are:

Mild: People with 5% to 30% of the normal amount of the clotting factors have mild hemophilia.
Moderate: People with 1% to 5% of the normal level of the clotting factors have moderate hemophilia.
Severe: People with less than 1% of the normal amount of the clotting factors have severe hemophilia.

People with this disorder can experience pain, swelling, bruising, nosebleeds, and unexplained bleeding episodes. Depending on the type and severity of the condition, the following options can be recommended to relieve the symptoms and treat the condition:

Hemlibra: This is a treatment option for people with hemophilia A (deficiency of factor VIII) and works with or without Factor VIII inhibitors. Hemlibra works by replacing the function of factor VIII instead of replacing the missing clotting factor. It enhances the potential and the capacity of the blood to clot while reducing the frequency of bleeding episodes. Its most common side effects are headaches and joint pain.
Recombinant factor concentrates : A common management option for hemophilia is replacement therapy in which blood factor or recombinant factor concentrates are administered to patients to replace the missing or faulty clotting factors. The use of Recombinant Factor VIII concentrate was approved in 1992 by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). This is genetically engineered in a laboratory by utilizing DNA technology, and it does not come from human plasma.
Kovaltry: This is also used to treat Hemophilia A in people, and it helps stops the bleeding and reduces the number of bleeding episodes in children and adults. This treatment option replaces the missing or faulty factor VIII. Kovaltry may be recommended by a healthcare professional after surgery.

Food choices
When suffering from hemophilia, it is necessary to make better food choices to avoid developing health issues that can worsen the symptoms. The primary nutrients in red blood cell production are protein, copper, iron, vitamins C, B6, and B12, and folic acid, so incorporating foods rich in these nutrients can help build better resistance. Some foods to include in one’s meals are:

Iron-rich foods: Maintaining adequate iron levels in the body is crucial when suffering from this condition, as a significant amount of this nutrient is lost when people bleed. Iron-rich foods like leafy greens—spinach and broccoli, dried beans, poultry, raisins, and apricots, can help patients quickly recover.
Calcium-rich foods: Calcium is necessary for building strong bones and maintaining healthy teeth. People with hemophilia A must have healthy teeth as gum problems and even dental procedures could lead to bleeding. Calcium-rich foods include milk (preferably low-fat or fat-free), beans, almond, spinach, broccoli, and calcium-fortified cereals.
Whole grains: Food items like oats, barley, brown rice, and bran can help in satiating the appetite, lowering cholesterol, and stabilizing blood glucose levels.

It is essential to limit the intake of some foods, especially those that are high in sugar and saturated fats. These add little or no nutritional value to your meals and can cause health issues that make dealing with hemophilia challenging. Some of the foods to avoid are candies, juice (in large amounts), carbonated sugary drinks, energy drinks, sweetened tea, full-fat dairy products, and fried foods.

Lifestyle changes

Practice good dental hygiene: For those with this disorder, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums to avoid undergoing a dental procedure that may lead to excessive bleeding. Consult a dentist and follow good hygiene practices.
Exercise regularly: This helps maintain bone and muscle strength. Safe exercise options like walking and swimming should be incorporated into the daily routine. People with hemophilia should avoid sports or activities that could cause injuries and bleed.
Find a support network: One should also try to find resources like the National Hemophilia Foundation or the Hemophilia Federation of America. These can help patients connect with other people affected by this condition. A solid support network would also help people learn more about the resources available to treat and manage the disorder.

Hemophilia is a complex illness, so finding excellent and reliable health care can help patients receive comprehensive treatment. One can try and look for dedicated treatment centers around them and communicate persistent concerns with doctors to find early treatment options and relieve symptoms. Additionally, the disorder can be managed with better food choices and lifestyle changes that reduce the impact of the disease on the body.