A nosebleed that will not stop or a small cut that continues to bleed far longer than expected—these are some of the most overlooked health problems. While these symptoms are often brushed aside as minor issues, they could be early indicators of an underlying bleeding disorder such as haemophilia. Dr Gaurav Kharya, Senior Consultant and Clinical Lead – Bone Marrow Transplant, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, answered FAQs regarding hemophilia—whether frequent nosebleeds in children are a cause for concern or not.Understanding haemophiliaHaemophilia is a genetic condition that affects the blood’s ability to clot properly. In its absence, even minor injuries can lead to prolonged or excessive bleeding. Despite advances in treatment, many people remain undiagnosed, often until complications start appearing. This World Haemophilia Day, Dr Kharya highlights a critical gap: most people with haemophilia do not even know they have it.A global diagnosis gapThe World Federation of Haemophilia estimates that over three-quarters of people with bleeding disorders worldwide remain undiagnosed, leaving hundreds of thousands without access to even basic care. To appreciate the scale of this gap, the expected number of patients with haemophilia globally is 1,125,000, of whom approximately 418,000 should have severe haemophilia. Reported figures fall dramatically short of both estimates.India’s delayed diagnosis challengeIndia’s diagnostic reality is particularly sobering. The median age at diagnosis for severe haemophilia in India stands at 60 months—five full years—compared to under 12 months in high-income countries. This delay is not just a matter of time but one that poses a risk of serious clinical consequences. Late diagnosis often means repeated, unmanaged bleeding episodes during early childhood, particularly into joints, before appropriate treatment begins.Recognising the warning signsRecognising the early warning signs can be critical in preventing long-term complications. Symptoms such as recurrent nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding in females, and prolonged bleeding after minor injuries are often overlooked or dismissed. However, these are not just minor inconveniences but potential diagnostic indicators that require timely medical consultation rather than mere dismissal.Treatment options for haemophiliaThe treatments for haemophilia have never been more effective, but they work only for patients who have been diagnosed. In a condition where every missed bleed moves a joint closer to permanent damage, the most important clinical act is also the most basic one: recognition.