One of the most common causes of low platelets is
a condition called immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
. You may hear it called by its old name, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
What is the most common cause of low platelet count?
One of the most common causes of low platelets is
a condition called immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
. You may hear it called by its old name, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Why do platelets decrease?
Decreased production of platelets
Some types of anemia
.
Viral infections
, such as hepatitis C or HIV. Chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy. Heavy alcohol consumption.
How can I stop my platelets from dropping?
- Avoid procedures that may cause a break in the skin. …
- Take special precautions with personal hygiene.
- Avoid falls in the shower or tub by using slip guard mats.
- Keep your teeth clean with a soft toothbrush. …
- Use an electric razor for shaving.
- Wear shoes to protect your feet.
When should I be concerned about low platelet count?
Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of
internal bleeding
. Rarely, this condition may lead to bleeding in your brain. If you have a low platelet count and experience headaches or any neurological problems, tell your doctor right away.
How can I increase my platelets quickly?
- Folate-rich foods. Share on Pinterest Black-eyed peas are a folate-rich food. …
- Vitamin B-12-rich foods. …
- Vitamin C-rich foods. …
- Vitamin D-rich foods. …
- Vitamin K-rich foods. …
- Iron-rich foods.
Do low platelets make you feel tired?
Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) definition and facts. Symptoms and signs of thrombocytopenia may include
fatigue
, bleeding, and others.
How low can platelets go before death?
When the platelet count drops
below 20,000
, the patient may have spontaneous bleeding that may result in death. Thrombocytopenia occurs due to platelet destruction or impaired platelet production.
What is the alarming level of platelets?
A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Having more than 450,000 platelets is a condition called thrombocytosis;
having less than 150,000
is known as thrombocytopenia.
How long does it take for platelets to increase?
Platelets in the bloodstream live approximately eight to 10 days and are rapidly replenished. When levels are low, they most often return to normal in around 28 to 35 days (unless another chemotherapy infusion is received), but may take
up to 60 days
to reach pre-treatment levels.
How can I restore my platelets?
- Eating more leafy greens. …
- Eating more fatty fish. …
- Increasing folate consumption. …
- Avoiding alcohol. …
- Eating more citrus. …
- Consuming more iron-rich foods. …
- Trying a chlorophyll supplement.
Can low platelets return to normal?
The number of platelets in your blood generally starts to drop 7 to 10 days after chemotherapy and reaches its lowest point about 2 weeks after treatment. Platelet levels gradually return to normal
after 4 to 5 weeks
.
What foods to avoid if you have low platelets?
- quinine, which is found in tonic water.
- alcohol.
- cranberry juice.
- cow’s milk.
- tahini.
What are the symptoms of low platelet count?
- More bruises, or worse bruises, than usual.
- Small purple or red dots under your skin.
- Nosebleeds or bleeding gums.
- Black or bloody-looking bowel movements.
- Red or pink urine.
- Vomit with blood in it.
- An unusually heavy menstrual period.
- Severe headaches.
What diseases are caused by low platelets?
- Have a blood disorder that affects your bone marrow, called aplastic anemia.
- Have cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma, which damages your bone marrow.
- Have a platelet-lowering disease like Wiskott-Aldrich or May-Hegglin syndromes.
- Have a virus such as chickenpox, mumps, rubella, HIV, or Epstein-Barr.
Can stress cause low platelets?
Research suggests that
physical or psychological stress
and the resultant oxidative stress in the body may also trigger episodes of ITP,
7
exacerbate fatigue
15
and prolong duration of the platelet disorder in children.
