There are certain situations in life where we simply cannot control or prevent something bad from happening. This occurs, for example, when we are faced with an accident or a problem with a family member over which we have no control, but sometimes it also happens to us. Sometimes diseases just appear. Of course, there are causes and certain factors that can make them more likely to happen, but sometimes they just show up without any warning. This often happens with thrombocytopenia, a disease that directly affects the level of platelets in our blood. Today we will talk about the main causes, symptoms, and treatments of this disease, which is not very well known but can be dangerous.

What is Thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia, also known as thrombocytopenia1, is a disease caused by a low number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells produced by the bone marrow and help with blood clotting, meaning their function is to stop bleeding. When the number of platelets present in the blood is very low, this doesn’t happen, causing the patient to experience bleeding from the nose, gums, urine, and also from wounds, as well as purple bruises on the body. The disease can be considered mild when the platelet count is between 100,000 and 150,000, moderate when it is between 50,000 and 99,000, and severe when it is below 50,000.

Causes of Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia can have several causes, from taking medications that may result in decreased platelets, autoimmune diseases, viral infections, lack of iron and vitamin B12, and even when there is cancer, especially breast and prostate cancer, as well as diseases that affect the bone marrow, such as anemia, leukemia, or HIV. Another cause of thrombocytopenia is alcoholism2, since it can directly affect bone marrow and consequently platelet production. It is always important to determine the cause of the disease, investigate why platelet production is falling, and then be able to start treatment.

Symptoms of Thrombocytopenia

The main symptoms in someone with thrombocytopenia are external bleeding, but purple bruises and small red dots all over the body may also appear. Here are some of the main symptoms that accompany this disease:

  • Nose and gum bleeding;
  • Bleeding in stools, urine, and vomit;
  • Heavier menstrual flow;
  • Purple and reddish spots on the body;
  • Wounds that do not heal and keep bleeding.

These symptoms should appear whenever platelet levels in the blood are very low, so it is not always a sign of something very serious. In any case, it is important to see a doctor as soon as you notice these symptoms. It is also worth noting that these are just some of the symptoms of thrombocytopenia.

How to Alleviate the Symptoms?

During the treatment of thrombocytopenia, it is possible to take some steps to ease the symptoms of the disease, including:

  • Brush your teeth with soft-bristle toothbrushes;
  • Do not use dental floss;
  • Avoid blowing your nose forcefully;
  • Use an electric razor;
  • Avoid playing sports;
  • Be careful when using sharp objects like knives and scissors;
  • Do not consume alcoholic beverages.

These measures act as precautions to prevent any injury that might cause bleeding. It’s also important to take care not to bump into furniture and objects at home, because these injuries, even if they do not cause any external lesion, can lead to internal bleeding.

Treatment of Thrombocytopenia

The treatment for thrombocytopenia depends on what is causing the drop in platelets in the blood, as well as the amount present3. Some treatments can be simpler, such as resting and stopping medication, while in other cases the treatment can be more intense and painful, sometimes requiring the patient to be hospitalized under observation. Among the measures doctors may take to treat thrombocytopenia are prohibiting the intake of certain medications that were used recently and tend to decrease the number of platelets in the blood; when it comes to an autoimmune disease the doctor may prescribe corticosteroids and in other cases a blood transfusion may be necessary. People with low platelets due to chemotherapy should have their medication doses reduced, as well as longer intervals between sessions. As treatment depends on discovery of the cause, the sooner you see a doctor and undergo tests to start treating thrombocytopenia, the greater the chances of avoiding complications. In some cases, after treatment and once the platelet count has normalized, some doctors may recommend follow-up over a few months, or even years, with new blood tests from time to time to assess the amount of platelets present. Alongside this and precautions to avoid injury and bleeding, it is necessary to take care of your diet, always eating vegetables, fruits, cereals, and lean meats.

Possible Complications

When untreated or when proper care is not taken, thrombocytopenia can become more severe. One of the most common complications is internal bleeding. Since the body is unable to properly heal bleeding, there can be severe internal bleeding without the person noticing in time. This can happen after a light bump or fall. Another complication is brain injury, which can occur in the same way as internal bleeding, but in this case, when the injury is to the head. If left untreated, thrombocytopenia can lead to death. It is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid any activity that could cause even minor injury. If it happens, you need to go to a hospital immediately to check for any internal injury that could result in internal bleeding or brain injury. Certain diseases are hard to deal with, especially those that show up without warning as is often the case with thrombocytopenia, but it’s always important to know the best ways to treat it and how to avoid the disease bringing even more complications to your health. Never fail to see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms that could indicate the disease, because the earlier it is treated, the easier recovery will be. Thrombocytopenia is a dangerous disease that causes fear in many people, but it is possible to recover with good treatment. What you should do is always follow medical recommendations and maintain habits that help with treatment. This makes the disease seem less frightening and your health will certainly thank you. Also see: Crohn’s Disease – Types, Causes, and Diagnosis Photo: Airman 1st Class Denise M. Jenson