Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand disease is the most common bleeding disorder. It occurs when the body makes too little of the von Willebrand factor (VWF), a protein that helps blood clot, or when the VWF is misshapen and does not work the way it should.
VWF is a carrier for another protein, called factor 8, that helps blood clot. When VWF levels are low or when VWF is not working properly, factor 8 levels are low as well and the body is less able to form stable blood clots.
There are four major types of von Willebrand disease:
Type 1. This is the mildest and most common type. People with this type have a low level of the VWF along with decreased factor 8 activity.
Type 2. This type happens when VWF does not work as it should. …show more content…
These may be given after an injury, surgery, or another event that causes bleeding.
Medicine applied directly to cuts (fibrin glue) to assist the blood-clotting process.
Medicines to prevent blood clots from breaking down too soon.
Contraceptive medicines to prevent heavy menstrual bleeding in women.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Medicine
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Always check with your health care provider before taking any medicine. You will need to avoid over-the-counter medicines that can affect the clotting process. Some of these are:
Aspirin and other drugs that contain salicylates.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Exercise
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Exercise helps keep muscles flexible and helps prevent damage to muscles and joints. Activities that are usually safe for people with this condition include biking and walking. Activities that are not safe include contact sports like football, soccer, hockey, and wrestling.
Always check with your health care provider before starting any exercise program.
General
Von Willebrand disease is the most common bleeding disorder. It occurs when the body makes too little of the von Willebrand factor (VWF), a protein that helps blood clot, or when the VWF is misshapen and does not work the way it should.
VWF is a carrier for another protein, called factor 8, that helps blood clot. When VWF levels are low or when VWF is not working properly, factor 8 levels are low as well and the body is less able to form stable blood clots.
There are four major types of von Willebrand disease:
Type 1. This is the mildest and most common type. People with this type have a low level of the VWF along with decreased factor 8 activity.
Type 2. This type happens when VWF does not work as it should. …show more content…
These may be given after an injury, surgery, or another event that causes bleeding.
Medicine applied directly to cuts (fibrin glue) to assist the blood-clotting process.
Medicines to prevent blood clots from breaking down too soon.
Contraceptive medicines to prevent heavy menstrual bleeding in women.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Medicine
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Always check with your health care provider before taking any medicine. You will need to avoid over-the-counter medicines that can affect the clotting process. Some of these are:
Aspirin and other drugs that contain salicylates.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Exercise
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Exercise helps keep muscles flexible and helps prevent damage to muscles and joints. Activities that are usually safe for people with this condition include biking and walking. Activities that are not safe include contact sports like football, soccer, hockey, and wrestling.
Always check with your health care provider before starting any exercise program.
General