Thrombocytopenia

Low platelet count, or thrombocytopenia, happens when your blood doesn't have enough platelets. Platelets are tiny, cell-like pieces in your blood that help your body stop bleeding. They work like tiny bandages, clumping together to seal up any cuts or tears in your blood vessels.

This low platelet count can be caused by problems with your bone marrow (the part of your body that makes blood cells), such as cancer like leukemia. Sometimes, it's linked to problems with your immune system, where your body mistakenly attacks its own platelets. It can also be a side effect of certain medicines. Both kids and grown-ups can get thrombocytopenia.

In many cases, low platelet counts are mild and don't cause noticeable problems. But, in some rare cases, the platelet count gets so low that it can lead to serious internal bleeding, which is a dangerous situation. Luckily, there are treatments available to manage and improve the condition.

Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) can cause several signs and symptoms. One common sign is easy bruising, also called purpura. This means you might bruise more easily than usual, even from minor bumps. You might also notice tiny reddish-purple spots, like pinpricks, on your skin, especially on your lower legs. These are called petechiae.

Another symptom is prolonged bleeding. This could mean a cut takes longer than usual to stop bleeding, or you bleed from your gums or nose more often or for longer periods. You might also see blood in your urine or bowel movements. Women with thrombocytopenia may experience heavier-than-normal menstrual bleeding.

Feeling tired or fatigued is another possible symptom. Sometimes, the spleen, an organ in your abdomen, may become enlarged.

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms that concern you, it's important to see a doctor. If you have bleeding that won't stop, this is a serious medical situation. Get immediate medical help if you can't control the bleeding with standard first aid measures, like applying pressure to the wound.

If you notice any signs of low blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) that concern you, schedule a visit with your doctor.

The spleen is a small organ, about the size of your fist, located just below your ribs on the left side of your belly. Its job is to help fight off infections and clean unwanted things from your blood. However, some conditions can cause the spleen to swell. When this happens, the spleen can hold onto too many platelets, which are important for blood clotting.

Platelets are tiny particles in your blood that help your blood clot when you get a cut or scrape. Your body constantly makes new platelets in your bone marrow to replace the ones that are used up, which typically live for about 10 days. A condition called thrombocytopenia happens when you have too few platelets in your blood. This is usually not inherited but can be caused by various factors.

A low platelet count can happen because:

• The spleen holds onto too many platelets: A swollen spleen traps more platelets than usual, reducing the number circulating in your blood. This can be a result of various health problems like liver disease and some types of cancer.
• Your body isn't making enough platelets: Several things can reduce platelet production in your bone marrow, including:
  • Cancers like leukemia
  • Some types of anemia
  • Viral infections like hepatitis C or HIV
  • Chemotherapy and radiation treatments
  • Heavy drinking
• Your body is destroying platelets faster than it can make them: In some cases, your body mistakenly attacks and destroys its own platelets, as in:
  • Pregnancy: Low platelet counts during pregnancy are often mild and go away after the baby is born.
  • Immune thrombocytopenia: This happens when your immune system attacks and destroys platelets. If the cause is unknown, it's called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). ITP is more common in children.
  • Severe infections: Serious bacterial infections can destroy platelets.
  • Blood clots: A rare condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) causes your body to form small blood clots throughout your body, using up lots of platelets.
  • Kidney problems: Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a rare condition that damages your kidneys and destroys red blood cells, leading to a very low platelet count.
• Certain medications: Some medicines, including heparin, quinine, sulfa antibiotics, and anticonvulsants, can sometimes cause your body to destroy platelets.

If you have thrombocytopenia, it's important to see a doctor to figure out the cause and get proper treatment.

A very low platelet count, less than 10,000 per microliter of blood, can lead to serious internal bleeding. This condition, called severe thrombocytopenia, is uncommon. However, if the platelet count drops too low, it can cause dangerous bleeding, even in the brain. Brain bleeding from this cause can be life-threatening.

To find out if you have thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), your doctor will use these methods:

• Blood Test: A blood test, called a complete blood count (CBC), checks the number of different blood cells, including platelets. This test gives your doctor a measure of your platelet levels.

• Physical Exam: Your doctor will do a physical exam, which includes a review of your medical history. They'll look for signs of bleeding under your skin (like tiny bruises or spots) and check your abdomen to see if your spleen is swollen. They'll also ask about any past illnesses, recent medications, and supplements you've been taking. This helps them understand the possible causes of the low platelet count.

Your doctor might order more tests or procedures to figure out why you have thrombocytopenia. The specific tests will depend on your symptoms and the results of the initial tests.