Low Platelet Count Symptoms, Precautions & Treatment

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Platelets are cells in the blood just like other cells. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin and provide haemoglobin to carry oxygen. The white blood cells provide immunity to the body and prevent infections from attacking the body. The platelets are cells in the blood that prevent bleeding. Whenever, there is an injury or cut in the body, the platelets immediately come and prevent bleeding by sealing the blood vessel. If there were no platelets a small cut could result in massive bleeding. The bleeding time increases with a low platelet count. The normal platelet count is 150,000 to 450,000. Platelets can become low in many conditions like viral conditions, suppression of the bone marrow- aplastic anaemia, Dengue fever etc.




According to Dr Mubina Agboatwalla – A child specialist in Karachi, platelet counts less than 50,000 must be monitored. Small red spots like petechie may appear on the skin. Sometimes, big bruises can occur too. In severe conditions, there might be bleeding from the gums, nose or gastro intestinal bleeding. Brain hemorrhage can be dangerous, the patient should be treated accordingly; supportive treatment in the form of platelet transfusions. If drug is induced then the drug should be immediately stopped. In case of infection, the infection should be treated. In case of autoimmune idiopathic thrombocytopenia, steroids and immunoglobulins should be given.

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