Most of us never think about how bleeding stops… until it doesn’t.

When you get injured, your body quickly forms clots to stop the bleeding. It’s something we take for granted. But for some people, this process doesn’t work the way it should.

Haemophilia is a condition where the body lacks certain clotting factors, making it difficult to stop bleeding. This means that even minor injuries can lead to prolonged bleeding, and in more severe cases, bleeding can occur without any obvious cause.

Haemophilia is inherited, meaning it is passed from parents to children. There are different types, with Haemophilia A and B commonly affecting males, while Haemophilia C can affect both males and females.

Depending on how severe it is, bleeding may happen after injuries, surgeries, or even spontaneously. It can show up after immunization, as frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, blood in urine, or bleeding into joints.

While there is currently no cure, people living with haemophilia can lead full and active lives with proper care. Treatment may involve replacing the missing clotting factors or using medications that help the body increase their production. Mild injuries may require only pressure and cold packs to stop bleeding. Physiotherapy has been found useful for people with joint complications.

Preventing injuries is very important. Contact sports may not be ideal, but activities like swimming can help maintain joint health. Certain medications that increase bleeding risk should also be avoided.

So, on this World Haemophilia Day, take a moment to appreciate what your body does effortlessly and remember those for whom it takes a little more care.