Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)

This is a condition characterized by low blood level of platelets. Platelets are known as thrombocytes that are colorless and help blood to clot by clumping and forming plugs.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia includes:

Pinpoint sized reddish purple spots know as petechiae on lower legs usually.
Increase bleeding time from cuts
Gum and nose bleeding
Heavy menstrual flow
Fatigue
Spleen enlargement
Urine and stool become brown coloured

Causes

Thrombocytopenia refers to platelet level below than 150,000 per microliter of circulating blood. Rarely this condition is inherited. It can be caused as a result of number of medications or other conditions. Some causes of thrombocytopenia are:

Enlarged spleen causing trapping of platelets
Leukemias
Some type of anemias
Hepatitis C, HIV or other viral illnesses
Heavy alcohol consumption
Pregnancy
Chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Bacterial infection
Immune thrombocytopenia
Certain medications like heparin, quinine, sulfa-containing antibiotics and anticonvulsants.
If platelet level become too low thrombocytopenia can be fatal

Diagnosis

Following are the steps to diagnose thrombocytopenia;

Blood tests
Complete general physical examination
Detailed medical history

Treatment

This condition can last for days or years. Treatment options include:

Mild thrombocytopenia don’t require any treatment
Blood and platelet transfusion
Medications like corticosteroids are generally prescribed
Surgery like spleenectomy is sometimes needed
Plasma exchange

Lifestyle and home remedies

Avoiding of activities that has high risk of injury
Limit the consumption of alcohol
Be alert when using over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen

Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)