Blood clotting is the process that the body uses to heal cut blood vessels and prevent excessive or abnormal bleeding. In order to clot properly, the blood must contain a number of proteins, referred to as coagulation factors, and blood cell fragments, called platelets. If any of the factors needed for proper blood clotting are missing from the blood, it can result in bleeding abnormalities, such as a chronic bloody nose.
Thrombocytopenia
Blood platelets are blood cell fragments that clump together to form blood clots. When a person is cut, blood platelets will travel to the cut area of the blood vessel and form a plug to stop bleeding. Thrombocytopenia is a blood condition in which there are not enough platelets available in the blood. Without an adequate amount of platelets, blood clots cannot form. This results in excessive or prolonged bleeding from a cut, chronic nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums, blood in urine or stools and heavy periods. MayoClinic.com notes that those with thrombocytopenia also bruise easily and are often covered in bruises. If thrombocytopenia causes significant blood loss, treatment may be necessary. Treatment usually consists of blood transfusions and medications to stop the breakdown of platelets.
Factor V Deficiency
Factor V is a blood plasma protein, known as a coagulation factor, that is an important part of blood clotting. Factor V deficiency is an inherited blood disorder in which the blood plasma is missing factor V. Without all of the coagulation factors present, the blood cannot clot properly. Factor V deficiency is characterized by bleeding into the skin, bleeding from the gums, excessive bruising, heavy menstrual periods and chronic nosebleeds. The deficiency cannot be cured, but infusions of blood plasma can be given during an episode of prolonged bleeding to temporarily correct the condition.
Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand factor is another important coagulation protein needed for blood clotting. Von Willebrand disease is a blood disorder characterized by low levels of von Willebrand factor in the blood plasma or von Willebrand factor that does not function correctly. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. Symptoms of von Willebrand disease include frequent bruising, blood in stools, blood in urine, heavy bleeding following a cut, heavy bleeding after surgery or dental work and chronic nosebleeds. Treatment for von Willebrand disease consists of injections or inhalations of a synthetic hormone that stimulates the body to release von Willebrand into the blood or blood plasma transfusions.
