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Thrombocytopenia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Have you ever noticed unusual bruising or bleeding that takes longer to stop? It might be a sign of thrombocytopenia, which happens when your blood has fewer platelets than usual to form a clot properly. Platelets are tiny cells that help your blood clot, so without enough of them even a small injury can lead to prolonged or excessive bleeding. Take a look at this article to learn about low platelet count symptoms, causes, treatment options and more.

What is Thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally low number os platelets (also known as thrombocytes) in the blood. Platelets are essential for normal blood clotting, so a deficiency increases the risk of bleeding.

Thrombocytopenia happens when your body doesn’t make enough platelets, breaks them down too fast or they get stuck in the spleen. This can occur due to health problems like cancer, infections or certain medicines. Doctors usually treat it by addressing the underlying health issue or adjusting the medication that is causing it.

Normal Platelet Count is 150,000 – 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Thrombocytopenia is typically defined as:

• Mild: 100,000 – 150,000/microliter

• Moderate: 50,000 – 99,000/microliter

• Severe: <50,000/microliter

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

• Often asymptomatic if mild

• Easy or excessive bruising

• Petechiae (tiny red or purple spots on skin)

• Prolonged bleeding from cuts

• Nosebleeds, bleeding gums

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

• In severe cases, internal bleeding, blood in urine/stool, or intracranial haemorrhage

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you notice signs of thrombocytopenia, such as unusual bruising or bleeding, consult your doctor as soon as possible. If the bleeding doesn’t stop with basic first aid, such as applying pressure, it may be an emergency. So, don’t wait to get medical help.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are three main reasons for low platelet count, such as:

1. Your bone marrow isn’t making enough platelets

This can occur in cases of certain blood cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma, that affect the bone marrow.

2. Platelets are made, but are used up fast

Your bone marrow makes enough platelets, but they get used up or destroyed faster than they are made. This can happen due to some health problems.

3. Your spleen is keeping too many platelets

The spleen usually stores about one-third of your platelets. However, sometimes it keeps more than it should, which means fewer platelets are left in your blood.

The following are some specific causes that affect your platelet supply:

1. Autoimmune diseases

Conditions like Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), lupus and rheumatoid arthritis make your immune system attack and destroy your platelets.

2. Blood cancers

Leukaemia and lymphoma can damage your bone marrow and reduce platelet production.

3. Cancer treatments

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can harm the cells that make platelets.

4. Certain blood disorders

Conditions like thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TPP) cause tiny blood clots that use up platelets.

5. Infections

Some bacterial and viral infections can lower your platelet count.

6. Nutritional deficiencies

Lack of vitamin B12 or folate can affect platelet production.

7. Medications

Some antibiotics, seizure medicines, heart drugs and blood thinners may lower your platelet count.

8. Heavy drinking and exposure to harmful chemicals

These can also slow down platelet production.

Diagnosis

Doctors will start by examining you for signs like bruises and rashes. They will also want to know about your medical history and any medicines you are currently taking. They may also conduct some tests, such as:

1. Complete blood count (CBC)

This test checks how many platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells you have.

2. Peripheral blood smear

Doctors look at your platelets under a microscope.

3. Blood clot tests

These measure how long it takes your blood to clot.

4. Bone marrow biopsy

If your platelet count is low, the doctor may take a small sample of your bone marrow to examine how it produces blood cells.

Treatment

If you have a mild case of thrombocytopenia, you might not need treatment at all. However, if your platelet count is very low or causing problems, treatment will depend on what is causing it and how serious it is. To treat the root cause, doctors may:

• Stop any medication that might be lowering your platelets.

• Treat any underlying condition, such as an infection or cancer.

Other treatment options include:

1. Medicines

If your immune system is attacking your platelets, steroids may be used to calm the immune response.

2. Platelet transfusion

If your platelet count is very low, you may get platelets from a donor through an IV.

3. Plasma exchange

In severe cases, your blood may be filtered through a machine to remove and replace the plasma. However, this treatment is rarely needed.

4. Surgery (splenectomy)

If other treatments don’t work, removing the spleen may help increase platelet levels.

Long-Term Effects on Health and Lifestyle

The long-term effects of thrombocytopenia can vary depending on the severity, duration, and underlying cause. Here are some possible impacts:

1. Increased risk of bleeding

Low platelet counts make it harder for your blood to clot. This means you are more likely to have frequent or severe bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding or bleeding from minor injuries.

2. Fatigue and weakness

Chronic bleeding or low blood counts can cause fatigue. This can leave you feeling tired and make everyday activities harder to manage.

3. Limitations on physical activities

People with low platelet counts often need to avoid sports or activities that increase the risk of injury or bleeding.

4. Impact on menstrual health

Women with thrombocytopenia may have heavy or long periods, which can cause tiredness and affect daily life.

5. Emotional and mental health effects

Living with a chronic blood disorder can cause stress, anxiety, or fear, especially about the risk of bleeding or uncertainty about the condition. Some people may also feel worried or scared when doing certain activities because of the bleeding risk.

6. Need for ongoing monitoring or treatment

In some cases, regular blood tests, medications or treatments like platelet transfusions or immune therapy may become part of daily life.

Thrombocytopenia and Health Insurance

When you buy a health insurance policy, it is important to mention that you have thrombocytopenia. If you hide your condition, the insurer has the right to reject your claims in the future. Honest disclosure helps avoid problems during the claim process.

If you apply for health insurance after diagnosis, the insurer may treat thrombocytopenia as a pre-existing illness. This can lead to:

• A waiting period of 2 to 3 years before coverage begins for related treatments.

• Higher premiums due to the added health risk.

Can You Qualify for Health Insurance with a Low Platelet Count?

Yes, you can qualify for health insurance even if you have a low platelet count or thrombocytopenia. However, you must keep the following points in mind:

• The insurer may treat thrombocytopenia as a pre-existing condition, and this can affect your coverage.

• You might have to wait 2 to 3 years before they cover related treatments.

• The insurer may charge a high premium.

• You must honestly tell the insurer about your health condition to avoid claim rejection later.

Conclusion

Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet levels, can increase your risk of problems like easy bruising and excessive bleeding. In some serious cases, the condition can cause internal bleeding and heart problems. If you are wondering what is the most common cause of low platelet count, infections and certain medicines are often to blame. It is important to talk to your doctor to understand why your platelets are low. They can explain the treatment options and suggest lifestyle changes that may help you feel better.

Sources: my.clevelandclinic, mayoclinic, yalemedicine, tataaig

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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