Platelets are red blood cells that help these cells bind, clot, and prevent excessive bleeding. The higher the platelet count, the better will be a person’s threshold to resist bleeding and severe wound infections. However, if someone is diagnosed with low platelet count or thrombocytopenia, immediate intervention and treatment are necessary to prevent further complications. Here are the known causes, signs, and treatment options explained for managing low plate count.

Causes of low platelets
Underlying health complications severely impact the production of platelets. Here are a few instances:

• Underlying leukemia, aplastic anemia, or lymphoma are serious blood disorders that damage the bone marrow, the main production center. Without blood stem cells, new platelets cannot be produced.
• Common viral infections like HIV, chicken pox, or hepatitis C can also affect the body’s ability to restore cells.
• Side effects prescriptions, given for managing severe chronic complications like cancer, can also affect the production of healthy platelets.
• Repeated exposure to toxic chemicals like benzene, arsenic, or common pesticides are causal factors too.

Under the following circumstances, it is also possible for the body to lose platelets due to rapid consumption –

• Low platelet count is quite common before childbirth during the last few weeks as the body must support two immune systems.
• Certain autoimmune disorders or blood disorders can cause clots or trigger changes in the body’s vital functions resulting in low platelet count.

Signs and symptoms of low platelet count
There are a number of visible indicators of low platelet counts.

• Easy bruising and bleeding are the first sign of low platelet count, as the blood is unable to clot and block wounds from bleeding out.
• Purplish spots under the surface of the skin indicate superficial bleeding or internal hemorrhage.
• Uncontrolled bleeding from deep cuts and wounds is also an indication of low clotting factors.
• Nosebleed that occurs unexpectedly is also a worrying symptom if there are no underlying explanations.
• Noticing blood in the urine or stools is another sign of blood loss that should not be ignored.
• Unusual fatigue and heavy menstrual flows for women are also signs of platelet imbalance in the body.

Treatment for low platelets
Mild to moderate symptoms and discomforts can be easily managed with healthy nutrition and lifestyle changes. Also, one can explore preventive measures to control the bleeding and bruising. Before doctors suggest treatments, they will thoroughly review one’s health history and check for signs of enlarged spleens. Further, blood tests will be done to confirm the present count of platelets and track the progression of red blood cell loss to assess the severity of the condition.

• Prescriptions
  Doctors suggest a course of prescriptions that suppress autoimmune responses and boost platelet production to prevent severe loss of red blood cells. The dosage will vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and progression of the disorder.
• Platelet transfusions
  For moderate to severe loss of platelets, doctors also recommend getting a platelet transfusion from donor stem cells. This is a precaution taken for those who rapidly lose red blood cells and do not have the bone marrow ability to produce and replenish the supply.
• Surgery
  The spleen is one of the important organ parts of the immune system that helps counter infections in the blood. It also filters and removes old red blood cells to be replenished with new platelets. In some cases, doctors suggest the complete removal of a damaged spleen through splenectomy. This ensures existing platelets are not removed from circulation by the organ. In 85% of the cases, a splenectomy improves platelet count and production.
• Plasma exchange
  Plasma is the vital fluid that carries blood cells, enzymes, and nutrients across the body to all extremities using the circulatory system. Low platelets increase the risk of a complication called Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), where it becomes necessary to replace the old plasma. Plasma is extracted from healthy donors and transfused to counter the complication. This procedure helps remove the antibodies from the old blood cells currently causing blood damage. Plasma exchange therapy is usually reserved for the more severe cases as it is quite an extensive procedure.

Preventive measures
Lower the risk of bruising and injuries by wearing covered clothing and taking precautions when venturing out of the house. Exposed wounds and cuts also increase the risk of infections, so immediate first aid is needed to manage the situation. In addition, one must consult with the doctor regularly.