What is the most common cause of low platelet count?

One of the most common causes of low platelets is a condition called immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). You may hear it called by its old name, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

What does low platelet levels 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.

Is low platelet count serious?

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.

What infections cause low platelets?

Infections with protozoa, bacteria and viruses can cause thrombocytopenia with or without disseminated intravascular coagulation. Commonly dengue, malaria, scrub typhus and other rickettsial infections, meningococci, leptospira and certain viral infections present as fever with thrombocytopenia.

Do low platelets make you tired?

Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) definition and facts. Symptoms and signs of thrombocytopenia may include fatigue, bleeding, and others.

How do I raise my platelet count?

8 Things That Can Increase Your Blood Platelet Count
  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. …
  8. Avoiding vitamin E and fish oil supplements.

Can autoimmune disease cause low platelets?

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes you to have low platelet levels. Platelets are cell fragments that are found in the blood and normally help the blood to clot. In people with ITP, the body produces antibodies that attack and destroy the platelets.

When should I be concerned about low platelet count?

Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of internal bleeding. Rarely, this condition may lead to bleeding in your brain. If you have a low platelet count and experience headaches or any neurological problems, tell your doctor right away.

Does a low platelet count mean leukemia?

Certain cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma can lower your platelet count. The abnormal cells in these cancers can crowd out healthy cells in the bone marrow, where platelets are made. Less common causes of a low platelet count include: Cancer that spreads to the bone.

Can thyroid problems cause low platelets?

Thyroid disease

Both an over-functioning thyroid gland and an under-functioning thyroid gland have been associated with thrombocytopenia. Thyroid problems are more prevalent in people diagnosed with ITP than the general population. Sometimes restoring normal thyroid level increases the platelet count.

Can low platelets cause a stroke?

Although the patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) have a very low platelet count, which usually causes hemorrhagic complications, they occasionally experience ischemic stroke.

What foods to avoid if you have low platelets?

Certain foods and drinks can reduce platelet counts including:
  • alcohol.
  • aspartame, an artificial sweetener.
  • cranberry juice.
  • quinine, a substance in tonic water and bitter lemon.

Can high TSH cause low platelets?

In unadjusted analyses, an increase in the serum levels of T4 or T3 was associated with a significant increase in the platelet count and MPV (all p-values < 0.05). In contrast, an increase in serum TSH level was associated with a significant decrease in the platelet count (p-value = 0.05) but had no effect on MPV.

What is a normal platelet count for a woman?

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.

Can low platelets return to normal?

The number of platelets in your blood generally starts to drop 7 to 10 days after chemotherapy and reaches its lowest point about 2 weeks after treatment. Platelet levels gradually return to normal after 4 to 5 weeks.

Can fatty liver cause low platelets?

Patients with mild fatty liver had significantly (P = 0.042) lower platelet counts than those with moderate and severe fatty liver collectively (25.3 ± 0.2 × 104/µL vs. 26.1 ± 0.3 × 104/µL).

Can low platelets make you dizzy?

Symptoms of Low Platelets

Headache, confusion, or dizziness. Blood when you cough or difficulty breathing. Blood in your urine, vomit, or stool.