“Patients Need To Belong To the Haemophilia Association”

What are the warning signs of haemophilia?

The warning signs are usually early in childhood. For those who circumcise after the first week of life, it will be noted that the baby bleeds uncontrollably, and death may occur for those with severe deficiency, if it is not properly managed. In other cases, it is when babies start crawling and knocking things around the house. They present with bruises or small scratches that manifest prolonged bleeding.  When young boys start pre-school/school and play with friends at school, their bleeding disorder will become evident, because of prolonged bleeds with minor injuries. For some, it is dental problems or minor surgery that is accompanied by prolonged bleeding. And in people with severe haemophilia, bleeding occurs spontaneously into their joints and muscles, etc. These may become very painful, and if not managed, may end in joint deformations, muscle wasting etc, which eventually hampers mobility.

What advice to those suffering from the disease?

There is a Cameroon Haemophilia Association to which all people with haemophilia in our country are encouraged to adhere (Telephone: 677956646). The association works closely with the medical experts in managing the cases and providing care and relevant information. People with haemophilia are encouraged to go to the hospital for follow-up and care as necessary. There are also exercises recommended for them, while others are discouraged such as football etc. There are drugs they are advised to avoid, such as those containing Aspirin. They need to get proper dental care, and need to reduce activities that cause bleeding. But they need to belong to the Cameroon Haemophilia Association (which is...