This can have serious complications in some cases. This article examines the conditions, medications, and substances that can cause a low platelet count, including idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ITP , as well as how to recognize symptoms and what to expect from treatment. Either an underlying medical condition is causing the reduced level, or an individual is taking a medication or substance that serves to reduce platelet count. Medicines, poisonous substances, heavy alcohol drinking, and even drinks with quinine in them, such as tonic water, can cause low platelet counts.
Quinine is also found in tablets for leg cramps. If a doctor finds one of these substances to be the cause of a low platelet count, stopping intake of the substance can return the platelet count to normal.
If the cause is a drug being taken for a different condition, the prescribing doctor might change the medication. Symptoms of a low platelet count only occur at severely low levels. A slightly lower-than-normal count may not produce symptoms. If the count is low enough to cause spontaneous bleeding, an individual may notice small bleeds that create small, round, dark red spots on the skin called petechiae. ITP can also cause the gums or nose to bleed without reason and the presence of blood in the urine or stools.
Platelets form a crucial part of the composition of blood. They are responsible for repairing tissue damage and play a vital role in the blood-clotting system, which helps to stop bleeding and heal wounds. Blood clotting is also known as hemostasis. Platelets are not invisible to the naked eye. The bone marrow produces them, and they travel in the blood for an average of 10 days before being destroyed. When a blood vessel wall is damaged, it exposes a substance that activates platelets. Activated platelets trigger further events that bring in more platelets, and a blood clot starts to form.
This serves to plug any leak. Activated platelets also release sticky proteins to help form the clot. A protein known as fibrin forms a mesh of threads that holds the plug together.
A platelet count measures the concentration of platelets in the blood. A technician would carry this test out in a laboratory.
When the number of platelets is low, this concentration reduces. Women normally experience a platelet count that varies slightly during the menstrual cycle and can fall near the end of pregnancy.
A doctor will ask some questions and perform a physical examination. Low platelet count caused by pregnancy is typically mild. It usually improves soon after childbirth. Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause the body to attack and destroy its own platelets. This rare blood disorder causes small blood clots to form throughout your body. The increased clotting uses up platelets.
This condition affects your blood and blood vessels and results in the destruction of platelets and red blood cells, and can cause kidney failure. Medications like heparin, quinine and anti-seizure drugs can reduce your platelet count. Sometimes drugs confuse the immune system and cause it to destroy platelets. The spleen is a purple, fist-shaped organ on the left side of your abdomen, just below your rib cage.
It varies in size and shape, but is typically about 4 inches long. The spleen acts as a filter for your blood and helps fight bacteria. It recycles old red blood cells, and stores platelets and white blood cells.
When your spleen becomes enlarged due to advanced liver disease or blood cancers, it can hold on to an excessive number of platelets, decreasing the number in circulation throughout your body. She has a passion for motivating and educating blood donors through storytelling. I am Oneblood Testimonials Video Gallery. About Hosting Submit Hosting Form. Promotions Search Rewards Store.
Milestone Store. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you have a low blood platelet count. Petechiae Open pop-up dialog box Close. Petechiae Petechiae may look like a rash and usually appear in clusters.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Enlarged spleen Open pop-up dialog box Close. Enlarged spleen The spleen is a small organ usually about the size of your fist. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Thrombocytopenia: Other causes. The Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed Feb. Arnold DM, et al. Approach to the adult with unexplained thrombocytopenia.
Immune thrombocytopenia adult.
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