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Hematology focuses on diseases of the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. Learn about the diagnosis and treatment of anemia, leukemia, and lymphoma.
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Thrombocytopenia often presents a clinical paradox; the blood count may be critically low, yet the patient may feel entirely well. The symptoms, when they do appear, are almost exclusively related to the failure of the blood clotting mechanism. The severity of symptoms usually correlates with the platelet count. At Liv Hospital, we educate patients to distinguish between minor superficial bleeding and signs of serious internal hemorrhage, as early recognition is vital for preventing catastrophic outcomes.
The most common visible sign of low platelets involves bleeding into the layers of the skin.
These are tiny, pinpoint red, purple, or brown spots that look like a rash. They are actually microscopic bleeds from the capillaries. They are usually flat to the touch and do not lose their color when pressed. They frequently appear on the lower legs or ankles due to gravity.
When petechiae merge or bleeding is slightly more extensive, it creates larger spots called purpura. These can be the size of a coin and may be raised or flat.
This is the medical term for a bruise. In thrombocytopenia, bruising can occur with very minor trauma or no known injury at all. These bruises may be large, lumpy, and deep purple or black.
Because platelets are responsible for sealing minor injuries in the mucous membranes, low counts often manifest here first.
Frequent or hard to stop nosebleeds are a common warning sign.
Patients may notice blood on their toothbrush or bleeding gums after flossing. In severe cases, gums may ooze blood spontaneously.
Women may experience unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual periods. This can be a subtle sign that is often overlooked or attributed to hormonal changes.
While skin bleeding is alarming, internal bleeding is the true threat to life.
This may present as vomit that looks like coffee grounds (indicating old blood) or stool that is black, tarry, or bright red.
Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown, indicates bleeding in the kidneys or bladder.
The most feared complication is bleeding into the brain. Symptoms include a sudden, severe headache, confusion, vision changes, or weakness on one side of the body. This is a medical emergency.
Patients with thrombocytopenia are at high risk during accidents or procedures.
Cuts and scrapes may ooze for a long time and struggle to form a scab.
Even minor dental work or surgical procedures can lead to excessive blood loss that is difficult to control without medical intervention.
Certain medical conditions predispose individuals to low platelets.
Diseases like Lupus (SLE) or Rheumatoid Arthritis create an environment where the immune system is prone to attacking body cells, including platelets.
Patients with leukemia or lymphoma have bone marrow that is overcrowded with cancer cells, leaving no room for platelet production.
Cirrhosis causes the spleen to enlarge (trapping platelets) and reduces the liver’s production of thrombopoietin (the growth signal for platelets).
Viruses can temporarily or permanently alter platelet counts.
Chickenpox, parvovirus, and mononucleosis can cause temporary thrombocytopenia, especially in children.
HIV and Hepatitis C are strong risk factors. These viruses can directly suppress the bone marrow and trigger autoimmune destruction of platelets.
What we consume and are exposed to impacts marrow health.
Heavy alcohol consumption is toxic to the bone marrow. It suppresses the production of blood cells. It also damages the liver, compounding the problem.
Exposure to certain pesticides, arsenic, or benzene can damage the bone marrow and lead to lower counts.
Severe nutritional deficiencies, particularly in Vitamin B12 or folate, inhibit the production of all blood cells, including platelets.
A vast array of medications can cause platelets to drop as a side effect.
Sulfa drugs and certain antibiotics like vancomycin are known triggers.
Medications used to treat seizures can suppress bone marrow activity.
Certain diuretics and blood thinners can induce immune reactions against platelets.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
They look like tiny red or purple dots, similar to a pinprick, usually found in clusters on the lower legs. They do not turn white when you press on them.
It can be. Bleeding into a joint or muscle is very painful. However, slow bleeding in the stomach might only cause fatigue or dark stools without pain.
Stress does not directly lower platelets, but it can trigger autoimmune flares in people who already have conditions like ITP.
Alcohol is directly toxic to the bone marrow, stopping it from making cells. It also causes liver damage and spleen enlargement, which traps existing platelets.
Generally, no. Aspirin makes the few platelets you have less sticky, which increases the risk of bleeding. You should consult your doctor.
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