What happens after blood platelets get dangerously low
Platelets form a crucial part of the composition of blood in a human body.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Platelets are basically the cells that circulate in a human body and bind together when they recognize damaged blood vessels, and low blood platelets count can result in severe conditions.
PURPOSE OF PLATELETS
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. The bone marrow produces them, and they travel in the blood for an average of 10 days before being destroyed.
NORMAL AND ALARMING RANGE
A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Having more than 450,000 platelets is a condition called thrombocytosis; having less than 150,000 is known as thrombocytopenia.
The risk of bleeding increases as the platelet count drops, but bleeding problems are unlikely unless the count is less than 80,000-100,000 platelets per μl.
The following platelet counts carry the risk of serious bleeding:
• Between 80,000 and 100,000 per μl: Bleeding problems are unlikely to happen.
• Between 20,000 and 50,000 per μl: There is more risk of bleeding when injured.
• Less than 20,000 per μl: Bleeding happens even without injury.
• Below 10,000 platelets per μl: Spontaneous bleeding can be severe and a risk to life.
LOW PLATELET COUNT ‘THROMBOCYTOPENIA‘
Thrombocytopenia occurs when a human body does not have enough platelets. When your skin is injured or broken, platelets clump together and form clots to stop the bleeding. When you don’t have enough platelets in your blood, your body can’t form clots.
This condition can range from mild to severe, depending on its underlying cause.
SYMPTOMS
• Red, purple, or brown bruises, which are called purpura
• A rash with small red or purple spots under skin called petechiae
• Nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums
• Bleeding from wounds that lasts for a prolonged period or doesn’t stop on its own
• Bloody vomit
• Severe headaches
• Dizziness
• Pain in the joints or muscles
• Increased weakness
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Blood in your stool
• Blood in your urine
Your platelet count drops when something is preventing your body from producing platelets. People with thrombocytopenia may also notice it is difficult to stop nosebleeds or bleeding from a cut.
TREATMENT
For cases of ITP, treatment may include drugs that suppress the immune system, such as a corticosteroid drug called prednisone.
In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
If there are no increases in platelet count after a year, a surgeon may remove the spleen in a procedure called a splenectomy. People with extremely severe or emergency presentations of low platelet count can be treated with a transfusion of platelets.
Too many platelets, too few platelets, abnormally functioning platelets, and related conditions such as blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks can be inherited. So it’s a good idea to alert your doctor when there’s a family connection or you experience any symptom.
