Low Platelet Count: Understanding Causes and Tips for Improving Platelet Levels
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting, and having inadequate platelet counts can affect our well-being. Their number can decrease due to many factors. This situation is medically known as thrombocytopenia, that is, low platelet count. In this article, we delve into the production, functions, and health issues associated with platelets. We look at how they work, what triggers a low platelet count, and how it’s diagnosed. Plus, we will discuss management options and simple lifestyle changes that may help.
Did you know?
Low platelet count, medically known as thrombocytopenia, happens when there are less than 150,000 platelets per microliter in our bloodstream.
Platelets help blood to form clots. This process stops heavy bleeding after an injury. Platelets do this by joining together to form plugs in wounded blood vessels.
It’s between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood.
In this section, we have enumerated and discussed the various symptoms that may develop in a person with low platelet counts.
One key sign of low platelet count is petechiae formation. It’s marked by small, reddish-purple spots on the skin. They appear due to minor bleeding under the skin.
People with low platelet count may also bruise easily. In medical terms, this is called purpura. A purpura is bigger in size when compared to a petechiae. This is also due to easy minor bleeding of the vessels under the skin.
Low platelets in the blood could make minor injuries bleed for longer duration. This can slow down wound repair.
For women, heavy flows during periods could be a sign of low platelet count.
Timing is key in handling thrombocytopenia.
If you notice any symptoms like easy bruising, petechiae, or prolonged bleeding, consult your doctor right away.
If you can’t stop bleeding with basic first-aid like applying pressure to the injury, seek instant medical help.
To my knowledge, severe internal bleeding may be more likely to occur in those with severe thrombocytopenia (or low platelet count). Bleeding in the brain or gastrointestinal tract might result from thrombocytopenia. Bleeding in the brain is a potentially fatal condition.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D
There are many causes of low platelet count which are as follows.
An enlarged spleen, known as splenomegaly, can trap excess platelets. This then lowers their number in the bloodstream.
A decrease in platelet production can occur because of issues in the bone marrow, viral infections, or genetic disorders.
Certain illnesses like leukaemia or aplastic anaemia can disrupt the bone marrow, leading to a fall in platelet production.
Certain viruses, like hepatitis C or HIV, can lower the production of platelets.
Genetic conditions can also cause a drop in platelet production. An example is Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome or May-Hegglin anomaly.
Sometimes, our bodies might use up or destroy platelets faster than they’re produced. This can lead to thrombocytopenia. There are certain situations where this can happen which are as follows.
Autoimmune diseases like ITP, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis can incite our immune system to wrongly destroy platelets.
Certain drugs can foster platelet destruction or slow down their production. Excessive alcohol intake can have similar effects.
Your doctor might advise against flossing until your platelet counts stabilise. You are advised to rinse and wash your teeth after every meal. To avoid bleeding gums, use an extra-soft toothbrush. Use hot water to make your toothbrush softer before each usage. Use extreme caution and gentleness when flossing. Steer clear of readily bled areas. Apply petroleum jelly or lip balm to keep lips hydrated and stop them from breaking. Consult your medical team before receiving any dental care.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Diagnosis involves a series of tests. These are discussed below.
During a health check, the doctor checks your skin for bleeding signs. They’ll also feel your abdomen to check for an enlarged spleen.
The doctor will ask you about past illnesses and medication use that may impact your platelet count.
A complete blood count (CBC) test helps find out the numbers of different blood cells, including platelets.
In case an enlarged spleen is suspected, your doctor may perform an ultrasound. This lets them view the organ and gauge its size.
The doctor can take fluid (aspiration) or tissue (biopsy) samples from your bone marrow. This can provide extra clues on the cause of your low platelet count.
Due to its antioxidant qualities, dragon fruit might help people with dengue increase their platelet counts. For this reason, doctors may advise dengue patients to eat dragon fruit. However, there is lack of enough large scale studies to back this up.
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Management involves tackling the root cause while managing the symptoms. In many cases, managing the main cause of the low platelet count may help solve the issue. This might involve adjusting medications or treating infections.
If certain medicines are causing your low platelet count, your doctor might change them to limit their bad effects.
If a viral infection leads to a low platelet count, your healthcare provider will work on treating the viral infection.
If your body is wrongly attacking platelets due to an immune system disorder, your doctor may prescribe drugs to raise your platelet count and reduce the immune overactivity.
For very low platelet counts, blood transfusions might be needed. These transfusions replace lost blood parts with packed red blood cells or platelets.
Sometimes, platelet transfusions may help raise very low platelet levels and improve blood clotting.
Medicines that boost platelet production might be prescribed by your healthcare provider to improve blood clotting.
Some everyday steps may help lower your risks linked to low platelet count and may help boost your overall health.
Skip activities that may lead to injury. These include contact sports. Make sure to take all safety precautions.
Discuss with your doctor about any medicines or supplements that might harm your platelet count.
Eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. This may help keep your immune system strong and your blood cells working well.
Excessive alcohol interferes with bone marrow function and platelet creation. So, cut back or avoid alcohol.
Ignoring a low platelet count can lead to various issues, some of which can be life-threatening.
A very low platelet count increases your risk of heavy bleeding. This may require urgent medical care.
In severe cases, low platelet counts can cause brain bleeding. If not treated, this can be fatal.
If you need surgery but have a low platelet count, you might bleed for longer. This can make repair after surgery difficult.
Routine tests and checks may help detect and handle low platelet counts early, which may reduce possible complications.
Regular blood tests, like CBCs, can detect a low platelet count before it becomes a serious health issue.
If your risk of low platelet count is high because of ongoing health issues, family history, or certain medications, keep taking regular medical tests to track your platelet levels.
Also Read: How To Increase Platelet Count Naturally
Knowing how vital platelets are and being aware of the signs, triggers, and management options of a low platelet count can empower you to take charge of your health. Keeping regular check-ups, getting routine tests, and taking steps to reduce the risk will help your healthcare provider and you stay alert to any health issues. If you detect signs of low platelet count or have a family history of clotting problems, discuss with your healthcare provider.
There are many causes for low platelet count. The management then depends on what’s causing it. Talk to your healthcare provider to find the right solution, be it changing medications, treating infections, or managing immune system issues.
There’s no typical cause for a low platelet count. It varies and can be from an enlarged spleen, issues with the bone marrow, viral infections, or genetic causes.
A slightly low platelet count that’s not causing any signs may not be a big worry. If you do see symptoms or your count is very low, go to your healthcare provider..
Yes, a platelet level of 81 is considered critically low. The normal range is between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter in your blood. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have worries about your platelet count.
Foods high in vitamin K, vitamin B-12, iron, and folate may boost platelets. Still, do discuss with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your specific needs.
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