Thrombocytopenia is the medical way of calling the disorder where platelets are at levels that are not adequate for our body. Platelets are part of the components of the blood and are responsible for allowing it to clot. The average amount of platelets in our blood should be 150,000 to 400,000 mcL (microliter), and their count is carried out to diagnose diseases or find the cause of bleeding and bleeding. At FastlyHeal, we explain low platelets’ symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of low platelets
The symptoms that can occur due to low platelets can be very general or not present; everything will depend on the causes causing the platelets to fall. If symptoms occur, they could be:
- Hematomas
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding gums and mouth
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Skin rashes called petechiae or purple
To diagnose low platelets, they will first be counted through a blood test and clotting studies. Likewise, a bone marrow biopsy can be performed to determine its cause.
Causes of low platelets
There are three leading causes of low platelets:
- The bone marrow may not be making enough platelets.
- Breakdown of platelets in the bloodstream.
- Study of platelets in the liver or spleen.
If platelets fall because the production in the marrow is insufficient, it can be due to diseases such as aplastic anemia, leukemia, or a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12. On the other hand, chemotherapy treatment also causes low platelet production. In addition, other more specific disorders can influence platelets to decrease, such as intravascular coagulation, immune or non-immune thrombocytopenia, and liver cirrhosis.
Another cause of low platelets is Dengue infection, transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, also known as “white legs,” which proliferates in stagnant waters. At first, the symptoms will resemble those of the flu. However, they will cause the platelets to drop considerably. Also, infectious diseases like HIV will cause platelet values to drop.
Treatment for low platelets
In this case, the treatment will depend on the cause causing the platelets to below, and the aim will be to achieve a sufficient platelet count to prevent bleeding and infection. Generally, transfusions of the failing blood component, platelets, will be of great help.
Foods to raise platelets
In the first place, a visit to a specialist will be the most recommended; after a blood test, the doctor will determine the cause and provide you with the appropriate treatment to control your platelets.
However, you can take some measures regarding your diet and your daily routines if you have low platelets :
- A change in your diet will be essential; avoid processed food high in saturated fat since it does not provide any benefit to your body but generates toxins.
- Avoid sugars and white and processed flours.
- Stay hydrated not just with water but with soups, juices, and liquid whey drinks.
- Add citrus fruits such as kiwi, orange, and tangerine to your diet.
- Eat iron-rich foods, such as legumes, meat, and chard.
- Avoid any physical effort; rest will help your recovery.
- Do not self-medicate since not taking the proper treatment can have severe consequences for your health.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.