How to Cope With Von Willebrand Disease

Von Willebrand disease, or VWD, is the most prevalent type of blood disorder. People with VWD lack a blood-clotting protein called Factor VIII. Symptoms include nosebleeds, bruising and heavy menstrual periods in women. VWD resembles hemophilia but is rarely as dangerous or debilitating. In fact, people with VWD can maintain their health by taking a few simple steps.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit your physician if you bruise easily, have inexplicable nosebleeds or experience heavy periods. Bring family medical records with you, as Von Willebrand is an inherited disease.

• 2

  Request a "bleeding time" test. In this procedure, a medical professional punctures your skin and measures how long it takes for the bleeding to stop. The normal bleeding time is between two and seven minutes; your personal bleeding time indicates the severity of your Von Willebrand disease.

• 3

  Increase your iron intake. Von Willebrand patients run the risk of anemia, but you can combat this risk by taking iron supplements and eating iron-rich foods such as oysters, figs and spinach.

• 4

  Wear a medical ID bracelet. Von Willebrand disease can complicate serious injuries, such as those sustained in car accidents. A medical ID bracelet alerts paramedics to your condition.