platelet count low

For those who are suffering from platelet count low, there are other helpful remedies that you can take advantage of aside from those prescribed by your physician. Platelet count low usually occurs when the number of platelets in the blood go below 150,000. Even if the function of the platelets is still intact when platelet count lowoccurs, there are instances when it can be harmful to one’s health especially when it is already severe. Platelets are needed by the blood in

order for it to clot. The opposite of platelet count low is the high platelet count which can also be dangerous since it can lead to stroke or other heart problems.

Known Causes of Platelet Count Low

What causes platelet count low? There are numerous known causes for platelet count low to occur. Just to give you an idea on how this problem can occur, the causes below are among the commonly found in patients.

• Medication: There are some medication that are found to cause platelet count low. Among these are ibuprofen and aspirin. Ibuprofen can lower platelet but the effects don’t usually last long.

• Chemotherapy: Platelet count low can also occur when a patient undergoes chemotherapy.

• Anemia: This is one problem that women are prone to especially while having their menstrual period. Severe anemia can already cause some serious problems since, aside from platelet count low, the amount of iron in the body is compromised too.

• Dengue: Platelet count low can also occur when a patient is suffering from dengue. This disease is typical in countries in Africa and Asia where the mosquito is the known carrier of the virus.

Alternative Treatments to Platelet Count Low

Aside from the usual medications prescribed by a physician, there are other home remedies that can help combat platelet count low. Here are some examples worth considering.

• Herbal medications – There are several herbal medications that are known to boost platelets so you can be free from platelet count low. The herbs are often pounded to get the juice. The bitter taste may be a bit difficult to swallow but adding sugar or sweetener can help make the taste more bearable.

• Increase in intake of vitamin C supplements – Increasing your intake of products that are high in vitamin c content can be ideal in battling platelet count low. Since Vitamin C is soluble the body can absorb it immediately which is needed to help those suffering from platelet count low.

• Papaya leaf: The most recommended home remedy when it comes to combating platelet count low is drinking the extract from the papaya leaf. You can get at least two tablespoons of extract from two papaya leaves when juiced. This is known to help with treating platelet count low.

These treatments are found to be quite useful in helping people combat platelet count low. If you or anyone that you know of is suffering from platelet count low, these alternative treatments are worth considering. You can consult your physician if you prefer but these remedies are risk free because they are all natural.

Thrombocytopenia or platelet count low is a condition where in the number of platelets in the body is lower than normal. The typical number of platelet in one’s blood ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per micro liter. Any number less than 150,000 is deemed platelet count low. Although this doesn’t affect the function of the platelet, it can cause some health problems because it prevents the blood from clotting normally. This usually occurs in severe cases of platelet count low.

There are several known causes for platelet count low to occur. These causes can be categorized into three and these are the following:

• Increase in the consumption or destruction of platelets.

• Reduction in production of platelets.

• Increase in capture of platelets around the spleen.

Platelet count low is often related to a problem in the bone marrow. This can affect the production of both red and white blood cells. Among the possible causes of platelet count low are viral infections, aplastic anemia, cancer of the marrow or bone, chemotherapy, and vitamin b12 deficiency. There are medications that can cause platelet count low too such as Heparin which is commonly used to thin the blood and sulfanomide antibiotics.

Common Symptoms of Platelet Count Low

Platelet count low doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms at all not unless someone gets cut and the bleeding doesn’t stop normally. Increase in menstrual flow can also be another symptom of platelet count low. Severe cases of platelet count low can cause sudden bleeding which usually occurs beneath the mucus membrane or skin.

Another way to detect platelet count low is through regular blood work. The specialist who ordered the blood work will be the one to decide on what kind of treatment should be done. A family physician or internist can help with the treatment for platelet count low but for more thorough tests, a hematologist can assist you.

Treatment for Platelet Count Low

Treatment for platelet count low is dependent on the cause as well as how severe the problem is. There are some instances where treatment should be done immediately while others have to undergo several tests to monitor platelet count.  Steroids can be used to treat auto-immune thrombocytopenia where the immune system is weakened to block the consumption or destruction of platelets so that platelet count low can be reversed. If the cause of platelet count low is due to medication, the physician may recommend for the intake of medication to be stopped.

Platelet transfusion is only needed when the patient suffers from severe platelet count low and is in need of surgery or other procedures. In cases where platelet count low reaches less than 10,000, transfusion may be recommended.  Knowing more about platelet count low can be useful especially when it can help you get treatment immediately. Regular check ups can help you determine whether you are suffering from this problem or not. There are many instances where platelet count low can occur and knowing the various treatment recommended can help you in finding the appropriate one for you.