What does low platelets indicate?

What does low platelets indicate?

People with thrombocytopenia have low platelet levels. Platelets aid blood clotting (stopping bleeding). When platelet levels are low, you may bruise and bleed excessively. Certain cancers, cancer treatments, medications and autoimmune diseases can cause the condition.

How do you raise low platelets?

These tips can help you understand how to raise your blood platelet count with foods and supplements.

1. Eating more leafy greens.
2. Eating more fatty fish.
3. Increasing folate consumption.
4. Avoiding alcohol.
5. Eating more citrus.
6. Consuming more iron-rich foods.
7. Trying a chlorophyll supplement.

What causes low platelets in blood cancer patients?

A Word From Verywell. Low platelets, or thrombocytopenia, are a common side effect of blood cancers and their treatment, but may also be a result of autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, heavy alcohol consumption or certain medications. As a result of thrombocytopenia, you may experience frequent or excessive bleeding.

How do you know if you have low platelets?

You must do a blood work to know if you have a blood low platelets or not. The blood test which include platelets count is called “ C omplete B lood P icture” or “Platelet Count test”, after that you have to go to a specialist to interpret results and give you the right medical recommendation.

What causes low platelets in the third trimester?

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. It’s important to note that this decline is usually not associated with risk for serious bleed.

Can a low platelet count cause the spleen to swell?

The spleen is a small organ normally about the size of your fist. A number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. If for any reason your blood platelet count falls below normal, the condition is called thrombocytopenia.

What medications can lower platelets?

Here are some of the most common medicines used to lower high platelet count: Hydroxyurea: Usually used to treat cancers, this medicine can help lower your platelet count. The combination of hydroxyurea and aspirin is the standard treatment for primary thrombocythemia these days.

What are treatment options for low platelets?

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.

Does cancer cause low platelets?

When the marrow doesn’t make enough platelets, the platelet count in your blood is too low. Cancer treatments — such as chemotherapy and some radiation therapy — can slow the production of platelets in the bone marrow and temporarily cause a low platelet count. Bone marrow cancer and some other health conditions can also cause a low platelet count.

What does a low platelet count indicate?

Thrombocytopenia refers to a low blood platelet count. Platelets are fragments of larger cells that circulate in the blood and play a role in preventing excessive bleeding. People with low blood platelets do not commonly display symptoms, but may be at risk for serious bleeding during and following trauma or surgery.