Your blood may not be clotting properly due to a blood clotting disorder. These disorders occur when your blood lacks certain clotting factors, which are proteins essential for the coagulation process. These disorders are often inherited, but in some cases, they can develop later in life due to the body producing antibodies against its own clotting factors.
Here are some common reasons why your blood may not be clotting:
- Hemophilia: This is a rare inherited disorder that primarily affects males. It occurs when the blood lacks enough clotting factors, specifically factor VIII (Hemophilia A) or factor IX (Hemophilia B). This leads to prolonged bleeding, even from minor injuries.
- Von Willebrand disease: This is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. It occurs when the body doesn't produce enough von Willebrand factor (VWF), a protein that helps platelets stick together and form clots.
- Acquired bleeding disorders: These can develop due to various factors, including medications, infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain medical treatments like chemotherapy.
- Liver disease: The liver produces clotting factors, so severe liver damage can impair clotting.
- Vitamin K deficiency: Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting, and deficiency can lead to bleeding problems.
If you're experiencing excessive bleeding or bruising, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
