Platelets are responsible for the proper coagulation of our blood, ensuring that it is always circulating in the best form for our bodies, clotting when it needs to stop a bleed, and also preventing unnecessary clots, which could block important arteries.
A normal platelet count varies between 150,000 and 450,000, but this can decrease due to certain diseases, putting our health at risk. But why do platelets drop? At OneHowTo.com we'll explain why in detail.
An abnormal drop in platelets is known medically as trombocytopenia. This condition can cause abnormal bleeding and, in more serious cases, when the platelet count drops to less than 10,000 per cubic millimeter, can cause internal bleeding which can put the patient's life at risk.
The first step to prevent this from occurring is to consult a hematologist if you have a low platelet count, because it is important to find out why you have this condition.
One of the most common causes of a low platelet count in countries with tropical climates, heavy rains and a tendency to accumulate standing water, is an infection caused by dengue. Other infectious or bacterial diseases such as HIV can also produce a low platelet count.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 or folic acid are two of the most common reasons for a low platelet count. In these cases, it is often enough to adjust the patient's diet and habits to bring the platelet count back to a normal level.
Diseases such as aplastic anaemia, cirrhosis of the liver, myelodisplasia or leukemia prevent the bone marrow from producing enough platelets, leading to a decline in levels and leaving the patient suffering from thrombocytopenia.
Certain medical treatments, as is the case with chemotherapy, also lower the platelet count.
Those who suffer from certain disorders are also likely to experience a low platelet count, since the platelets actually decompose in the spleen or in the liver. Patients with immune thrombocytopenia or drug-induced thrombocytopenia; immune or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; or thrombotic or disseminated intravascular coagulation, for example, will have a low platelet count.
It is possible to increase your platelet count, but the results will depend on the reason for the decrease, something you have to identify in order to take appropriate and timely action. In cases of infectious or bacterial diseases, timely treatment in each case would increase the platelet count to eliminate the thrombocytopenia.
If the problem is a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folic acid then any relevant dietary changes should be made. In cases of bone marrow problems, leukemia, disorders, low platelet count due to medication or cirrhosis of the liver, a specialist's instructions should be followed carefully, as they will offer appropriate alternatives for each individual patient.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
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