Symptoms range fromeasy bruisingand tiny red skin spots (petechiae) to blood in urine and stool.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
What Is Thrombocytopenia?
A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), means you dont have enough platelets in your blood.
Plateletsalso called thrombocytesare tiny cells made in yourbone marrowthat help your blood clot.
When you get a cut or injury, platelets clump together to stop the bleeding by forming a clot.
Without enough platelets, it can take longer for bleeding to stop.
A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood.
Anything below 150,000 is considered low.
Getting diagnosed and treated early can help prevent serious problems.
Signs Your Platelet Count Is Low
A low platelet count can cause a variety of symptoms.
A low platelet count, or thrombocytopenia, can happen for several reasons.
Sometimes its temporary and mild; other times, it can signal a more serious condition.
This is known as drug-induced thrombocytopenia.
A Spleen That Traps Too Many Platelets
Your spleen typically stores about a third of your platelets.
Sometimes it’s a temporary reaction to illness or medication.
Other times, it points to a deeper health issue that needs careful monitoring or intervention.
Your healthcare provider will first figure out the cause of your low platelets to determine the best treatment plan.
However, for more serious cases, there are several effective options available.
This is often enough to bring your platelet count back to normal.
Other medicines, such aseltrombopagandromiplostim, can help stimulate your bone marrow to make more platelets.
If the issue is your immune system attacking platelets,immunoglobulinsorrituximabmay help prevent this destruction.
Blood Transfusions
In more severe cases where bleeding is a concern,platelet transfusionsmay be necessary.
This procedure involves receiving platelets from a healthy donor through an IV.
It helps prevent excessive bleeding by increasing the number of platelets in your blood.
This can help provide the blood components your body needs to prevent complications.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
The risk of complications increases the lower the platelet count is.
One of the primary risks is bleeding.
Typically, low platelets are due to conditions that prevent platelet formation or destroy platelets.
Certain medications/treatments may also cause low platelets, or the condition may be genetic.
Low platelet symptoms include excessive bleeding and easy bruising.
Treatments include switching medications, platelet exchange or transfusion, and splenectomy.
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