It is challenging enough to care for a child who is affected by hemophilia when they are otherwise in perfectly good health, but what about when cold and flu season comes around? Read on for a few scenarios that could come up as the result of comon childhood illnesses, and tips on how to handle them.
1. Fevers – As a common occurrence throughout one’s childhood, fevers are often little to no cause for concern for most parents. However, when it comes to a child with a bleeding disorder, additional caution is necessary. If you take your child’s temperature, do so under the arm or use an ear thermometer. If your child has a history of febrile seizures (a high fever accompanied by uncontrolled shaking), consult your doctor about administering small doses of acetaminophen or even ibuprofen as a means to breaking the temperature as quickly as possible.
2. Vomiting – While typically associated with a common virus, vomiting in those with bleeding disorders can also be a sign of bleeding around the brain, known in medical terminology as intracraneal bleeding. In a case where your child is regurgitating, the best course of action is to contact your nearest hemophiliac treatment center to confirm the cause and prevent severe injury.
3. Severe gastroenteritis (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting) – As inevitable as it is common, a case of severe gastroenteritis can be a result of food poisoning or viral illness. The main concern in this case is the subsequent tearing of the lining in stomach and esophagus that may occur. If you notice blood in your child’s vomit or stool, he or she should be taken to the emergency room immediately.
4. Headaches – Although some doctors may prescribe ibuprofen in small doses for specific cases of illness in hemophiliacs, the general use of aspirin unless carefully directed, should be completely avoided. Aspirins traditionally contain blood-thinning agents, which as you may have surmised, can cause more harm than relief for those with bleeding disorders. Some common over-the-counter medications to avoid that also contain aspirin include Alka-Selzer, Anacin, Bufferin, Dristan, Midol and 222.
Sources:
Hemaware – When your Kids with Bleeding Disorders Get Sick: http://www.hemaware.org/parenting-family/parenting/when-your-kids-with-bleeding-disorders-get-sick
Canadian Hemophilia Society – Precautions: http://www.hemophilia.ca/en/bleeding-disorders/platelet-function-disorders/precautions/
Photo Source – www.flicker.com