It is normal to wonder what it means to have low platelets in your blood when you see the results of your tests that indicate that our blood count thrombocytes or platelets it is very low; in fact, we tend to be alarmed and it is that something in our body is not right. The normal levels of platelets vary between 150,000 and 450,000 fulfilling a fundamental function, since they participate in the blood clotting process, which is why it is so important to determine the cause of this alteration. Only a doctor can give a reliable diagnosis and the best treatment in each case, so it is vital to follow their instructions. In addition, for those looking for a bit of general guidance apart from specifying what is necessary with their doctor, in this oneHOWTO article we give you some tips that will answer the common doubt in these cases: “What to do if my platelets are low?”.
Causes of low platelets
The health condition in which there is a low level of platelets or thrombocytes is known as thrombocytopenia. There are three main reasons for this health problem: increased breakdown of thrombocytes in the blood, increased breakdown of these cells in the liver or spleen, or low production in the bone marrow.
In turn, these reasons for the decrease in the count of these cells may be due to numerous and different reasons. It’s necessary that the doctor diagnose which of them is the one that occurs in each case so as to be able to treat not only the low count of these cells, but also the underlying cause, since if it is not treated also even if the volume is increased it will be something temporary, since that the main problem will continue to destroy platelets or cause their production to be low.
Main causes of thrombocytopenia
- Aplastic anemia
- Cirrhosis
- Folate deficiency
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Cancer in the bone marrow such as leukemia
- Chemotherapy
- Bone marrow infections
- Myelodysplastic syndrome
- Virus infections such as Dengue
- Some medications and treatments
- Swollen spleen
- ITP (Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia Disorder or Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura)
- DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation disorder or overactive coagulation proteins)
- TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or blood clots in small blood vessels)
What are the symptoms of low platelets
It is also necessary to know what the symptoms of low platelets are to be able to identify at the slightest sign the possibility of suffering from this problem and act as soon as possible, going to the specialist doctor, the hematologist, so that they review us, diagnose and indicate the best treatment. The opinion of a doctor is essentialIf the platelet count drops below 10,000, a possible scenario in cases of dengue or serious infections, you could suffer a hemorrhage and severely aggravate the condition, even running the risk of dying.
Thus, the main symptoms of thrombocytopenia are as follows:
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Soft spot
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain
- Skin rashes or petechiae
- Bruising
- Bleeding (nose, mouth, and gums)
- Low platelet count in test results
The symptoms of low platelets in children they are the same as in adults. Likewise, it must be borne in mind that if it is due to a viral disease such as Dengue, there may be many more symptoms such as pain in various parts of the body and not only in the muscles, for example, in the eyes or the head.
What to do in case of low platelets
Regarding the main question that we seek to answer in this article, as we have already mentioned, the first thing to remember is that it is vital that, as soon as we detect possible signs, we must go to the doctor.
Also, you have to follow all directions that the specialist tells us, both regarding medical treatment and other aspects such as eating habits. In the case of thrombocytopenia, it is also necessary adjust feed to a diet that helps to improve the condition by increasing the blood counts.
Although all these tips are followed for a time, periodic medical check-ups are necessary until the specialist indicates that it is no longer necessary.
When to worry about low platelets
Although normal platelet levels are between 150,000 and 450,000 and below 150,000 can already be considered an indicator of a health problem, this is when platelets are below 50,000 you have to worry.
Furthermore, below 30,000 is already considered a very serious thrombocytopenia. It is vital that emergency treatment be started in such a case.
Treatment for low platelets or thrombocytopenia
You should not let the situation go by and treat it only with advice or home remedies, although there are recipes to increase platelets and food, which we will see later, that can help you raise your count, identifying the cause of the decrease is essential to solve the problem. Therefore, the hematologist specialist or your private doctor will have to offer you the best treatment in your case based on the possible origin of this.
Thus, a platelet transfusion It is the main treatment for thrombocytopenia, especially in severe cases, since in those with a slight decrease it can be treated in other ways. However, in both mild and severe cases it is necessary to adjust the diet and treat the underlying disease. Treatment can be very varied, since depends on the cause. For example, corticosteroids may be prescribed for an autoimmune disease such as ITP, mentioned above.
Remember that you should not self-medicate. This is very important as other health problems can arise. For example, in cases of dengue, taking inappropriate medication such as aspirin or anti-inflammatories, can make the condition worse significantly. The same can happen with other types of infections, so always pay attention to your doctor’s instructions.
Foods to raise platelets
Once you have a diagnosis, it is important to improve your diet and consume foods that provide a high amount of vitamins and minerals that help the formation of platelets. Specifically, it is necessary to increase the consumption of the following foods to increase the doses of iron and the following vitamins:
- Iron rich foods: spinach, soybeans, lentils, lamb’s lettuce, green shoots, liver, red and lean meats, clams, cockles, blueberries, medlars, currants, blackberries, passion fruit, etc.
- Foods rich in vitamins A, B, C, D and K: Whole grains, kiwi, lemon, grapefruit, orange, tangerine, strawberries, coconut water, guava, red pepper, nuts, etc. Learn more Foods rich in vitamin C in this other oneHOWTO article.
In certain cases, such as when suffering from dengue, not only is medical treatment and a change or reinforcement in diet necessary, but also the rest it will help, and will be key, to improve this condition and promote recovery.
Platelet-lowering foods – avoid them!
Not only do you have to keep in mind the foods to include or increase in the diet to increase platelets, but it is also necessary to withdraw or reduce the consumption of them as much as possible. foods that lower thrombocytes:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Pineapple
- Blue fish
- Seafood
- Nuts
It should be borne in mind that some of these foods taken in moderation help to improve this condition, such as the case of some shellfish or nuts, but that taken in excess they worsen the decrease in platelets.
Low platelets in pregnancy
It is common to have the low platelets in pregnancy because there is more plasma than before gestation, which produces what is known as hemodilution and there are fewer blood cells in proportion. In this case, the platelet level is not less than 70,000Although until they drop below 50,000 it is not really worrisome.
In the event that the doctor detects that the reduced levels of these cells are indicators of a health problem in the pregnant woman, this specialist will prescribe the best treatment.
Low platelets in children
If your son bleeding from the nose, mouth, or gums for no obvious reason, such as a bump, and / or you have some bruising that still seems to have no reason, this may indicate that you have thrombocytopenia or low platelet levels.
It may be that it happens because the marrow does not produce enough platelets or thrombocytes, which can occur for various reasons such as infections in this or a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12. It may also be that your body is breaking down these cells due to liver inflammation, bleeding disorders, and clotting problems.
The pediatrician you will need to diagnose the cause of the low platelets in children when these are detected in a blood test in order to be able to direct the treatment directly to it and that, in this way, the low level of these blood cells is solved.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or perform any type of …