12 Symptoms of Low Platelets in the Body!
Symptoms of low platelets in the body can appear immediately or only after the condition is well advanced. they also known as thrombocytopenia or thrombocytopenia, are the decrease in the number of platelets in the blood, a situation that impairs clotting, and can cause symptoms such as purple or red spots on the skin, bleeding gums or nose, and red urine, for example.
Platelets are essential components of blood for clotting, facilitating wound healing and preventing bleeding, and there are several causes for their reduction, including infections such as dengue , use of drugs such as heparin, diseases related to immunity, such as thrombocytopenic purpura and even cancer .
What are the causes?
Many diseases and morbid conditions can reduce the number of platelets, but a specific cause is often not detected. The most common causes of low platelets are: decreased bone marrow production due to bone marrow diseases, infiltration by malignant cells, chemotherapy, congenital marrow hypoplasia, splenic sequestration, increased platelet destruction, drug induction, and dengue .
Symptoms of low platelets:
The symptoms of thrombocytopenia (low platelets) depend on how low the platelets are. Thrombocytopenia is considered when platelets are below 150,000/mm3. Platelets are cells produced in the bone marrow that have the ability to clot blood and help a wound stop bleeding. The most common symptoms will be shown below, so check them out below
Symptoms of low platelets in the body:
1. Linkage to other diseases:
Some diseases such as Hepatitis B , dengue and anemia are associated with a lack of platelets in the body and vice versa. The study and diagnosis of these diseases and also the lack of platelets in the blood must be done by a specialist, since the treatment is very specific and requires controlled drugs.
In any case, if you experience any of these low platelet symptoms , see a doctor. In addition, he will indicate the correct exams and analyze the data to know if you really have a disability or if you just need to eat better.
2. Wounds and dermatitis:
Because of low platelets, it is possible for the person to start having small rashes or minor injuries that bleed little but constantly. This is already a more specific symptom and usually accompanies bruises on the skin.
3. Bleeding:
As already mentioned, platelets have the function of preventing bleeding. They do this by helping the blood to clot whenever it “leaks”. Therefore, one of the symptoms of low platelets is the onset of constant bleeding in some regions of the body.
The gums and nose are the most common spots. However, with extremely low levels of platelets (somewhere around 10,000 per cubic millimeter or less) bleeds can start to become more constant and frequent. This could be the beginning of a more serious picture of the disability.
4. Hematomas:
When the platelet drop is greater, it is common to bruise easily with any light blow. Hematomas are frequent and evident, even when we have not received any blows to the affected area.
5. Fatigue and tiredness:
The first symptoms of low platelets are fatigue and tiredness. However, as they are symptoms common to a large number of diseases and other problems, it is necessary to evaluate the situation well to diagnose a person with a lack of platelets just by these symptoms. Weakness and dizziness can also appear and this already aggravates the situation. It is important to do tests to have a more accurate diagnosis.
Other symptoms of low platelets:
- Constant and abnormal menstrual flow;
- Bleeding profusely during surgery;
- Presence of blood in the urine or feces;
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts or injuries to the skin;
- Excessive and recurrent bruising;
- Spontaneous bleeding from the gums or nose;
- Superficial bleeding on the skin that appears as a rash of small red spots, usually on the legs.
The main form of prevention is not to drink alcoholic beverages in excess. Also, having a monthly checkup by the doctor is always a way to control the number of platelets in your blood, preventing the worst.