Hemophilia is a genetic disorder caused by defective X-chromosome. The term hemophilia is derived from 2 Greek words i.e. Heamo meaning blood and Philia meaning love or affection. The main sign or symptoms of Hemophilia are bleeding from bruises and failure of blood clotting even in case of minor injuries. The disorder hampers clotting process by lowering blood plasma clotting factor or coagulations factors.

History: Though the disease is as old as Human race, but the first attested evidence is found in 2^nd century Talmud. The recorded evidence in medical history is found in 10^th century. The disease was generally found in Royal Families of Europe and therefore it was sometimes called “the Royal Disease.”

Reasons:

Hemophilia is usually associated with men. However it may occur in Women also. It is caused due to defective X-Chromosomes that may come from either mother or Father. In Females there are 2 X-Chromosomes, the additional X-Chromosome act as back up, so if one chromosome is defective the other takes it place. This back-up facility is missing in Males, thus making men vulnerable to Hemophilia. Females act as carriers and may transmit it to their male offspring. Though it is primarily transmitted through heredity but it may also appear in an individual due to gene mutation. Gene mutation accounts for about 33 per cent of total number of people with hemophilia.

Types of Hemophilia: Hemophilia has two major types. Hemophilia A is more common. Hemophilia B is found in about people. Symptoms of hemophilia are varied according to type and severity.

Symptoms of Hemophilia: The main symptom of hemophilia is failure of blood clotting even after minor trauma. Other symptoms of hemophilia may vary according to the type and severity. The symptoms of Hemophilia may be divided into 2 categories i.e. Internal and external.

External Bleeding:

1. Blood in urine and fesses. Either with or in the excretion.
2. Prolonged bleeding in newborns after umbilical cord is cut.
3. Prolonged bleeding after circumcision. (Male children in Muslims and Jewish communities undergo circumcision)
4. Heavy bleeding after dental procedure.
5. Failure of blood clotting even after minor trauma.
6. Females usually have backup genetic settings that prevent from profuse bleeding but still it could be seen in some serious hemophiliac females.

Internal Bleeding:

1. Sometimes blood accumulates in joint spaces after injuries or surgeries. Joint bleeding requires treatment. It may cause joint damage and in some cases disfigurement.
2. Bleeding in muscles and soft tissues such as subcutaneous tissues. If untreated may cause damage.
3. Bleeding in brain may prove to be fatal. 

Symptoms of Hemophilia can easily be noted. With proper treatment People with Hemophilia can enjoy life with all the vigor and vibrancy.