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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Bleeding Disorders
      Category : Health Centers > Blood Disorders and Lymphatic System

Bleeding Disorders

Alternate Names : Clotting Disorders

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

Bleeding disorders include a wide range of medical problems that lead to poor blood clotting and excessive bleeding.

What is going on in the body?

Blood clotting occurs when blood changes from a liquid to a semisolid state. Normal blood clotting should occur after trauma that causes bleeding. Within seconds of an injury, tiny cells in the blood, called platelets, bunch together at the site of the wound. Blood proteins, platelets, calcium, and other tissue factors react together and form what is called a clot. A clot acts like a net over the wound. Over the next several days to weeks, the clot strengthens, then dissolves when the wound is healed.

Bleeding disorders occur when the blood cannot clot normally. These disorders can be present at birth or be acquired from other conditions.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There are many causes of bleeding disorders. Some examples of causes include:

  • bone marrow disorders
  • cancer, such as leukemia
  • disseminated intravascular coagulation, which is a condition in which the body's clotting system functions abnormally
  • pregnancy-associated eclampsia, also known as severe toxicity of pregnancy
  • exposure to snake venom
  • hemophilia A and B, which are inherited blood disorders
  • immune system disorders, such as allergic reactions to medicine or abnormal reactions to an infection
  • liver disease
  • medicines used as blood thinners, such as aspirin, heparin, and warfarin
  • medicines used to break up blood clots
  • organ transplant rejection
  • von Willebrand disease, which is an inherited blood disorder

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    Next section

       

    Bleeding Disorders: Symptoms & Signs

    Author: Thomas Fisher, MD
    Reviewer: Adam Brochert, MD
    Date Reviewed: 09/19/01



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