Blood is made up of various types of cells. These blood cells floats in a liquid called plasma.
The types of blood cells are:
Red blood cells
White blood cells
Platelets or thrombocytes
When the skin is injured or broken, platelets group together and form clots to cease the bleeding. When a person don’t have enough platelets in his blood, then that body can’t form clots. Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you have a low blood platelet count. Platelets are made in the bone marrow. Platelets are important for normal blood clotting. The life cycle of platelets is about 7-10 days; thus, the old platelets are continuously being replaced by the new ones.
Causes of Low Blood Platelet
- Medicines, poisonous substances, heavy alcohol drinking, and even drinks with quinine in them, such as tonic water, can cause low platelet counts.
- When the body reduces the making of platelets.
- When the body loses platelets.
- When the body destroys platelets.
- Impaired production.
- Increased destruction or consumption
- Chemotherapy
- Antibodies attack platelets
- Radiation therapy
- Certain types of cancer
Symptoms of Low Blood Platelet
- Small purple or red spots under the skin
- Easy bruising
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding gums
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Blood in your stool
- Blood in your urine
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
Diagnosis of Low Blood Platelet: Low platelet count is often tested during routine blood test. Also checks medical history and physical test by the doctor. After the test doctor reviews other values such as red cell count, haemoglobin, white blood cell count, mean platelet volume or MPV. If doctor suspects that spleen is enlarged, they may go for ultrasound.
Treatment of Low Blood Platelet:
- Low Blood Platelet is treated by stopping medication that affect platelets under the direction of the physician.
- Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) is the treatment for TTP and HUS.
- Limiting the drinking of alcohol, because it can make bleeding worse.
- Use a soft toothbrush to prevent bleeding gums.
- Avoid medicines that can affect your platelet function, like aspirin and ibuprofen
- Taking care while cooking to prevent from burns.
- Taking care while using scissors, knives, needles, or other sharp tools.
- spleen removal surgery