If a child has been diagnosed with a type of hemophilia, what key symptom should the healthcare team monitor for?

In the context of hemophilia, joint swelling is a key symptom to monitor. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to make clots, which can lead to excessive bleeding. When a child with hemophilia experiences bleeding into a joint—often referred to as "hemarthrosis"—it can cause swelling, pain, and reduced mobility in that joint. Frequent monitoring for joint swelling is crucial because repeated episodes can lead to long-term joint damage, chronic pain, and disability.

The other symptoms listed, while potentially relevant in different contexts, are not primary indicators to monitor specifically for hemophilia. Frequent headaches could suggest other possible issues, sudden bruising may occur but is less specific, and allergic reactions do not correlate with the bleeding tendencies that characterize hemophilia. Therefore, joint swelling serves as a significant indicator of complications arising from this condition, making it a primary focus for the healthcare team.