Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia means not having sufficient platelets in the blood. To stop bleeding you need platelets because they help the blood to clot. In general, Thrombocytopenia is not an issue, until you have a severe form of this disease. In case you have serious Thrombocytopenia then you can bleed heavily whenever you are injured. Sometimes even the patients can bleed spontaneously inside their body. Bleeding from gums, bladder or eyes become common in such cases.
You will be diagnosed with Thrombocytopenia in case you have a platelet count lower than 150,000. Anything between 150,000 and 400,000 is considered normal.
Signs and Symptoms
The common symptoms can include
- Abnormal bleeding which is difficult to stop and the blood most commonly comes out from nose or gums.
- Women with Thrombocytopenia can have longer menstrual periods per month
- Red and flat spots on skin
- Blotches and bruises
- Thrombocytopenia can also cause a lot of bleeding after injuries which is tough to control.
Causes and Risk Factors
Scientists find several causes for Thrombocytopenia. Immune Thrombocytopenia or ITP is one of the most common causes of having this disease. However, when it happens then your body cannot fight against other diseases because it reduces the immune system of your body.
It can come into your blood from your family. Apart from that, there are infections that can increase the risk factors. It can be caused due to the medication side effects as well.
Treatment and Management
Depending on the severity the doctor can decide the pattern of treatment. Prednisone is most commonly offered to the patients to treat low platelet count.
