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Contents
  • The Usual Suspects: Common Bleeding Symptoms
  • Hidden Troubles: Less Obvious Symptoms
  • Life Stages and VWD Symptoms
  • When to Worry: Red Flags

Beyond Bruises: The Surprising Symptoms of Von Willebrand Disease

Beyond Bruises: The Surprising Symptoms of Von Willebrand Disease

More Than Meets the Eye

Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is known as a bleeding disorder, but its symptoms can be surprisingly varied and sometimes subtle. Understanding these signs is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
Contents
  • The Usual Suspects: Common Bleeding Symptoms
  • Hidden Troubles: Less Obvious Symptoms
  • Life Stages and VWD Symptoms
  • When to Worry: Red Flags

The Usual Suspects: Common Bleeding Symptoms

The most recognizable symptoms of VWD involve excessive bleeding. This can include easy bruising, frequent or prolonged nosebleeds, and bleeding gums. For women, heavy menstrual periods (lasting more than 7 days or requiring frequent pad changes) are a common sign. It's like your body's natural 'stop bleeding' signal is faulty, leading to these issues.

Hidden Troubles: Less Obvious Symptoms

VWD can also cause less obvious bleeding problems. These might include prolonged bleeding from small cuts or after dental procedures. Some people experience gastrointestinal bleeding, which can lead to anemia. In severe cases, there might be joint or muscle bleeding. Think of it as internal 'leaks' that aren't always visible from the outside.
Von Willebrand Disease is a genetic bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of the von Willebrand factor, leading to excessive or prolonged bleeding.

Life Stages and VWD Symptoms

VWD symptoms can vary throughout a person's life. In infants, prolonged bleeding from circumcision or heel pricks might be a sign. Adolescents might notice heavy nosebleeds or excessive bruising. For adult women, postpartum hemorrhage can be a serious complication. It's like VWD adapts its challenges to different life stages.

When to Worry: Red Flags

While many VWD symptoms are manageable, some require immediate medical attention. These include uncontrollable bleeding, blood in urine or stool, or spontaneous bruising without injury. For women, soaking through a pad or tampon every hour during menstruation is concerning. These are like warning bells that shouldn't be ignored.

FAQs

Can VWD cause headaches?

Severe VWD can rarely cause bleeding in the brain, leading to headaches.

Does VWD affect wound healing?

It can delay healing due to prolonged bleeding at wound sites.

Can VWD symptoms come and go?

Yes, symptoms can vary in severity over time and with different situations.

Are nosebleeds always a sign of VWD?

Not always, but frequent or prolonged nosebleeds can be a symptom.

Can stress affect VWD symptoms?

Stress can potentially worsen bleeding symptoms in some people with VWD.

Connecting the Dots

Recognizing the diverse symptoms of VWD is key to getting proper diagnosis and treatment.
Experiencing unusual bleeding symptoms? Consult with Doctronic to explore if VWD testing is right for you.
Additional References
  1. Nichols WL, et al. von Willebrand disease (VWD): evidence-based diagnosis and management guidelines, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Expert Panel report (USA). Haemophilia 2008; 14:171.
  2. Laffan MA, et al. The diagnosis and management of von Willebrand disease: a United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors Organization guideline approved by the British Committee for Standards in Haematology. Br J Haematol 2014; 167:453.
  3. James PD, et al. ASH ISTH NHF WFH 2021 guidelines on the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease. Blood Adv 2021; 5:280.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.