Medication
- Blood or platelet transfusions Severe conditions of low platelets count might require this treatment option. ...
- Splenectomy It is a surgery to remove spleen. ...
- Natural remedies to treat low platelets count causes While the person is undertaking any of the above treatment options to treat his or her condition of thrombocytopenia, these natural remedies ...
Procedures
What to eat to increase your blood platelets
- Consume many healthy natural foods such as: organic foods, fruits and vegetables. This helps to stimulate your internal mechanism, which increases your platelet count. ...
- Wash all raw foods thoroughly to remove any parasites or viruses that could result in lowering your platelet counts. ...
- Strengthen your immune system using cod liver oil or flax seed oils. ...
Self-care
Managing Low Platelets
- Avoid medications that contain aspirin, anti-inflammatories (like ibuprofen), or blood thinners, unless your healthcare professional recommends otherwise. ...
- Use an electric razor to shave, which may result in fewer nicks and cuts.
- Use extra care when working with sharp objects such as knives or scissors, so as not to accidentally cut yourself.
Nutrition
Other treatments might involve:
- Blood or platelet transfusions. If your platelet level becomes too low, your doctor can replace lost blood with transfusions of packed red blood cells or platelets.
- Medications. If your condition is related to an immune system problem, your doctor might prescribe drugs to boost your platelet count. ...
- Surgery. ...
- Plasma exchange. ...
What are treatment options for low platelets?
What to eat to increase your blood platelets?
What do you need to know about living with low platelets?
What medicine can increase platelet count?
Which medicine is best for low platelet count?
Corticosteroids. Dexamethasone or prednisone is typically prescribed to raise your platelet count. You take it once a day in the form of a pill or tablet. An increased or normalized platelet count is generally seen within 2 weeks of therapy, particularly with high-dose dexamethasone.
How do you treat low platelets?
If your thrombocytopenia is caused by an underlying condition or a medication, addressing that cause might cure it. For example, if you have heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, your doctor can prescribe a different blood-thinning drug....TreatmentBlood or platelet transfusions. ... Medications. ... Surgery. ... Plasma exchange.
How do you increase blood platelets?
8 Things That Can Increase Your Blood Platelet CountEating more leafy greens. ... Eating more fatty fish. ... Increasing folate consumption. ... Avoiding alcohol. ... Eating more citrus. ... Consuming more iron-rich foods. ... Trying a chlorophyll supplement. ... Avoiding vitamin E and fish oil supplements.
Which medicine is best to increase platelets?
Romiplostim injection is used to increase the number of platelets (cells that help the blood to clot) in order to decrease the risk of bleeding in adults who have immune thrombocytopenia (ITP; idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura; an ongoing condition that may cause easy bruising or bleeding due to an abnormally low ...
What foods to avoid with low platelet count?
What Not to EatAlcohol: Wine, liquor, and regular or nonalcoholic beer can lower platelet counts. ... Refined grains, sugar, and foods or drinks with added sugar: These may cause fatigue and reduce platelet count.More items...•
Which fruits increase platelets?
Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, goji berries and blackberries are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants tend to neutralize the free radicals and thus help cope with the decrease in platelet count. Including berries in the diet may help in increasing platelet count.
What are the symptoms of low platelets?
SymptomsEasy or excessive bruising (purpura)Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots (petechiae), usually on the lower legs.Prolonged bleeding from cuts.Bleeding from your gums or nose.Blood in urine or stools.Unusually heavy menstrual flows.Fatigue.More items...•
Do low platelets make you tired?
Things to know about thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) Symptoms and signs of thrombocytopenia may include fatigue, bleeding, and others.
Which juice is good to increase platelets?
Beet root also prevents the free radical damage of platelets and helps in increasing its number. Therefore, consuming a glass of beet root juice can greatly help in increasing the number of platelets.
Is there any injection to increase platelets?
Romiplostim injection is used to treat low blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) and help prevent bleeding in patients with a blood disorder called immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
Which food increase platelet count fast?
The regulation of protein is crucial to increase the platelets count in the blood. To reap the benefits one can have pumpkin juice or add pumpkin to smoothies, stews, soups or have it like a puree along with a salad. Food such as orange, lemon, kiwi, bell peppers, spinach and broccoli are a rich source of vitamin C.
What foods increase platelets?
It also lists foods and supplements that may help increase platelet counts and those that may decrease them....Foods containing folate or folic acid include:beef liver.dark, leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and Brussels sprouts.black-eyed peas.fortified breakfast cereals and dairy alternatives.rice.yeast.
How to stop bleeding from low platelet count?
If you begin bleeding, follow these steps and contact your care provider: Have a seat or lie down. Try to remain calm. Apply pressure to the wound if you can see it. Apply an ice pack to the site to slow the bleeding.
What causes low platelet count?
Nutritional deficiencies: As with anemia, iron deficiency or vitamin deficiencies (B12, folate) can lead to low platelet counts, since the body doesn't have the basic nutrients to create them. Viral infections: Certain viral infections such as hepatitis C or HIV may result in decreased production of platelets.
Why does my thrombocytopenia increase during pregnancy?
Pregnancy: Gestational thrombocytopenia is a fairly common condition during the third trimester due to increased blood dilution, as blood volume continues to increase and platelet counts fail to increase at the same rate.
What causes thrombocytopenia?
Autoimmune conditions: Diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis may cause immune thrombocytopenia as the immune system starts to attack itself, destroying platelets in the process. Bacterial blood infections: Bacteremia, or a bacterial infection affecting the blood, may destroy platelets.
What is CBC blood test?
Your platelets are analyzed during a complete blood count (CBC) test, which is a standard panel of bloodwork. Platelet count is one of the measures the CBC delivers. Here is the normal range and concerning levels of low platelets: 1 .
What happens if your platelet count is low?
Call your doctor if any of the following issues increase in frequency, severity, or become worrisome to you: 5 . Pain in your joints, particularly large joints like the knees and hips.
How to stop bleeding gums?
Avoid contact sports to minimize the potential risk of injury and bleeding. Use an extra-soft toothbrush and perform diligent mouth care to reduce gum inflammation, as inflamed gums bleed more easily when flossing. Avoid flossing when your platelet count gets very low.
What is the best treatment for low platelet count?
Medications and treatments used to stabilize severely low platelet counts can include platelet transfusions, splenectomy (surgery to remove the spleen), corticosteroids or immunoglobulins, which block effects of the immune system. ( 1)
What vitamins help with low platelet count?
Aside from vitamin B 12 and folate described above to help prevent deficiencies, and anti-inflammatories for controlling pain, there’s evidence that people with low platelet counts can also benefit from taking or consuming more of the following: ( 4)
How to raise platelet count?
Once a diagnosis has been made, you can use the recommendations below to help raise your blood platelet counts, manage symptoms and prevent complications from developing: 1. Improve Your Diet. Vitamin B12 or folate (vitamin B9) deficiency can both cause mild to moderate low platelet counts.
Why is it important to protect yourself from low platelet count?
For people who already have been diagnosed with low platelet counts, avoiding injuries and infections is important, since both can worsen autoimmune reactions, spleen enlargement and trigger excessive bleeding.
What does it mean when your platelet count is low?
If so, there’s a chance you have a low platelet count. Having a low platelet count — a condition called “thrombocytopenia” — is a problem with normal blood clotting and bruising that results from having low levels of thrombocytes , colorless blood cells produced by bone marrow. Thrombocytes are responsible for helping form blood clots in ...
What is the role of thromocytes in blood clots?
Thrombocytes are responsible for helping form blood clots in the arteries/veins and stopping bleeding. A low platelet count puts someone at a higher risk for internal bleeding or other blood clotting and blood vessel-related problems — and unfortunately can sometimes really take a toll on quality of life.
How long does it take for platelets to die?
In healthy people, platelets wind up dying off after about 10 days, at which point they’re replaced by new ones.
What causes low platelets?
Platelets are the component in blood that enables it to clot. Medicines, poisonous substances, heavy alcohol drinking, and even drinks with quinine in them, such as tonic water, can cause low platelet counts. Quinine is also found in tablets for leg cramps. If a doctor finds one of these substances to be the cause of a low platelet count, ...
What is low platelet count?
A low platelet count is a blood disorder that has a long list of possible causes . It is also known as thrombocytopenia. Reduced platelet content in the blood is not always a serious problem. However, the condition affects the ability of the blood to clot, and wounds can bleed severely with this condition. This can have serious complications in some ...
What is ITP in medical terms?
ITP refers to idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. It is also known as immune thrombocytopenia. The name of the condition relates to bleeding-induced rashes that occur as a result of a low platelet count. Idiopathic means that the cause is not known. In ITP, the immune system attacks platelets.
Why are platelets low?
The level of platelets is usually low as a result of two main factors. Either an underlying medical condition is causing the reduced level, or an individual is taking a medication or substance that serves to reduce platelet count.
What is the role of platelets in blood?
Platelets form a crucial part of the composition of blood. They are responsible for repairing tissue damage and play a vital role in the blood-clotting system, which helps to stop bleeding and heal wounds. Blood clotting is also known as hemostasis. Platelets are not invisible to the naked eye.
How many platelets are in a microliter?
A normal platelet count is around 140,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter (μl) of blood. When the number of platelets is low, this concentration reduces. Women normally experience a platelet count that varies slightly during the menstrual cycle and can fall near the end of pregnancy.
What are the causes of thrombocytopenia?
Poisons that can cause thrombocytopenia include pesticides, arsenic, and benzene. The following are antiplatelet or anti-clotting drugs that reduce the platelet count: glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, including abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban. heparin.
What medications can reduce platelets?
Sometimes a drug confuses the immune system and causes it to destroy platelets. Examples include heparin, quinine, sulfa-containing antibiotics and anticonvulsants.
Why do platelets stop bleeding?
Platelets stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel injuries. Thrombocytopenia might occur as a result of a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia or an immune system problem. Or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications. It affects both children and adults.
How to tell if you have thrombocytopenia?
Thrombocytopenia signs and symptoms may include: 1 Easy or excessive bruising (purpura) 2 Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots (petechiae), usually on the lower legs 3 Prolonged bleeding from cuts 4 Bleeding from your gums or nose 5 Blood in urine or stools 6 Unusually heavy menstrual flows 7 Fatigue 8 Enlarged spleen
How many platelets are in thrombocytopenia?
Thrombocytopenia means you have fewer than 150,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood. Because each platelet lives only about 10 days, your body normally renews your platelet supply continually by producing new platelets in your bone marrow.
What causes a shortage of platelets in the bloodstream?
Increased breakdown of platelets. Some conditions can cause your body to use up or destroy platelets faster than they're produced, leading to a shortage of platelets in your bloodstream. Examples of such conditions include: Pregnancy. Thrombocytopenia caused by pregnancy is usually mild and improves soon after childbirth.
What are the symptoms of thrombocytopenia?
Thrombocytopenia signs and symptoms may include: Easy or excessive bruising (purpura) Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots (petechiae), usually on the lower legs. Prolonged bleeding from cuts.
What is the rare condition that occurs when small blood clots suddenly form throughout your body, using up large numbers
This is a rare condition that occurs when small blood clots suddenly form throughout your body, using up large numbers of platelets. Hemolytic uremic syndrome. This rare disorder causes a sharp drop in platelets, destruction of red blood cells and impairs kidney function. Medications.
What is the medical term for a low platelet count?
Thrombocytopenia is the medical term used to describe a low platelet count. Blood platelets are the tiny cells responsible for clotting the blood when you cut yourself. They help stop bleeding by clumping together and acting as plugs when you experience a blood vessel injury. When platelet counts are low, thrombocytopenia can set in ...
Why are my platelets low?
Some other causes of low platelet counts include: 1. Medication. A variety of medications have the ability to thin your blood and lower the count of blood-clotting platelets.
What happens when your platelet count is low?
When platelet counts are low, thrombocytopenia can set in and leave you at risk, most dangerously for internal bleeding. Platelets are just one of many cell types that make up the blood floating through your body. They are colorless, while the other components of blood, white cells and red cells, are characterized by their hue.
What foods can you eat to treat thrombocytopenia?
Folate can be found in leafy greens like spinach and asparagus, as well as avocado, lentils and beets. Basically, try to limit processed foods and eat an array of fruits, vegetables, fresh meats, legumes, and healthy fats. Other steps you can take to treat thrombocytopenia include: Blood platelet transfusion.
How long do platelets stay in the blood?
Blood platelets are produced in the bone marrow and remain in the blood for roughly 10 days until they are naturally destroyed.
What are the factors that affect platelet count?
Environmental toxins can also play a role in platelet count, and they can be both naturally occurring and man-made.#N#Their effect usually comes by way of exacerbating an existing autoimmune condition. These can include products like pesticides, herbicides, plastics, toxins produced by grains and mushrooms, polyurethane, and wood preservatives.
What is the color of thrombocytopenia?
They are colorless, while the other components of blood, white cells and red cells, are characterized by their hue. Often the result of another health condition, thrombocytopenia typically appears alongside severe illnesses like leukemia or other illnesses that impact the immune system.
How to tell if your platelet count is low?
Often, one of the first signs is a cut or nosebleed that won’t stop bleeding. Other signs of low platelet count include: Bleeding gums. Blood in stool (black, tarry-looking), urine (hematuria) or vomit. Heavy menstrual periods. Petechiae (tiny red or purple dots on the lower legs that resemble a rash).
How to prevent thrombocytopenia?
If you’re at risk for thrombocytopenia, these steps may help prevent it: Avoid medicines that thin blood and increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin, naprosyn and ibuprofen. Take care with contact sports and activities that can cause injuries, bruising and bleeding. Minimize contact with toxic chemicals.
What are the three main classes of thrombocytopenia?
The three main classes of thrombocytopenia are: Platelet destruction such as with an auto-antibody that attaches to the platelet surface. Platelet sequestration such as in someone with a large spleen or with liver disease. Decreased platelet production as occurs in certain bone marrow diseases.
What is thrombocytopenia in blood?
What is thrombocytopenia? Thrombocytopenia (THROM-bo-sigh-toe-PEE-ne-ah) occurs when your blood platelet count is low. Platelets are also called thrombocytes. This type of blood cell clumps together to form blood clots to help stop bleeding at the site of a cut or wound. Another name for a blood clot is thrombus.
How long does a platelet last in blood?
Platelets are transfused only if the platelet count is extremely low. (Transfused platelets only last about three days in the circulation.) Splenectomy or removal of the spleen.
What is the name of the tissue that makes blood clots?
Another name for a blood clot is thrombus. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside bones that makes all blood cells including platelets. People who have thrombocytopenia don’t have enough platelets to form a blood clot. If you get a cut or other injury, you may bleed too much and the bleeding can be hard to stop.
How many people have thrombocytopenia?
The autoimmune form of thrombocytopenia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura or ITP, affects approximately three to four out of every 100,000 adults and children.
What is the normal platelet count?
A normal platelet count is between 150,000 to 450,000 per 1 mcL of blood. To clearly understand what does low platelets mean, it signifies an amount of less than 150,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood.
Is romiplostim safe for ITP?
Long-term safety and efficacy of romiplostim for treatment of immune thrombocytopenia. 2. Promacta (eltrombopag) Promacta (eltrombopag) is also used to increase platelet counts in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) for the control of bruising and bleeding.
What foods are good for low platelet count?
with low platelet counts. The best sources of vitamin B-12 tend to be animal-based foods, such as: beef liver. clams. eggs. While vitamin B-12 is also found in dairy products, such as milk and cheese, some studies indicate that cow’s milk can interfere with platelet production.
What does it mean when your platelet count is low?
A low platelet count is also referred to as thrombocytopenia. Certain infections, leukemia, cancer treatments, alcohol abuse, cirrhosis of the liver, enlargement of the spleen, sepsis, autoimmune diseases, ...
How to increase platelet count?
Eating certain foods and taking supplements may help to increase your platelet count. However, be sure to tell your health care provider about any ongoing thrombocytopenia symptoms. If you have a very low platelet count, you’ll likely need medical treatment to avoid serious complications.
What is the best vitamin for blood cells?
Folate. Folate is a B vitamin that helps your cells. Trusted Source. , including blood cells. It appears naturally in many foods, and it’s added to others in the form of folic acid. Sources of natural folate include: peanuts. black-eyed peas. kidney beans.
What is the best supplement for thrombocytopenia?
Chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a green pigment that allows plants to absorb light from the sun. Some people with thrombocytopenia report that taking a chlorophyll supplement helps to relieve symptoms, such as fatigue. However, no clinical studies have evaluated its effectiveness.
Why is iron important for blood cells?
Iron is essential to your body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells. A 2012 study#N#Trusted Source#N#also found that it increased platelet counts in participants with iron-deficiency anemia. You can find high levels of iron in certain foods, including:
Can you raise platelet count with thrombocytopenia?
If you have mild thrombocytopenia, you may be able to raise your platelet count through diet and supplements. However, if you have a severely low platelet count, you’ll likely need medical treatment to avoid any complications. Supplements and herbs aren’t monitored by the FDA and therefore aren’t regulated for quality or purity.
