{"id":10193,"date":"2019-08-15T06:25:57","date_gmt":"2019-08-15T06:25:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=10193"},"modified":"2021-04-25T22:55:19","modified_gmt":"2021-04-25T22:55:19","slug":"14-common-symptoms-of-low-platelets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-common-symptoms-of-low-platelets\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Symptoms of Low Platelets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Blood is comprised of several elements, and all of these elements play an important role in how blood functions and platelets are one of the most important elements. These blood cells are important because they help the blood clot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When blood vessels become damaged, your body automatically sends these colorless blood vessels to the site of the injury, where they join together and create a clot. The platelets spread out across the surface of the injured blood vessels and stick to it, a process known as adhesion. As the platelets adhere to the surface of the injury, they stop the bleeding and the process of repairing the damage begins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platelets are formally known as thrombocytes. Some people have low levels of platelets, a condition is known as thrombocytopenia. Those who suffer from this condition bleed easily, as their blood does not clot effectively. The following symptoms are indicative of thrombocytopenia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Easy bruising. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bruises, also known as contusions or black and blues, occur as a result of an injury or trauma; banging into something with force, or being hit by something with force, for example. The trauma causes small blood vessels underneath the skin to burst, which leads to bleeding. The blood pools and becomes trapped underneath the surface of the skin, which results in the appearance of a bruise<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone experiences bruised at one point or another and they\u2019re very common. You may know exactly what caused a bruise (being hit by a ball, for example), or you may not remember the injury that caused the bruise; however, in either cause, a pretty forceful blow will cause the bruise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have low platelets, however, you may develop bruises very easily; gently rubbing against something, or even something as simple as your pants rubbing against your hips, for example. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Petechiae.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another symptom that individuals who suffer from low platelet counts are petechiae<\/a>. This condition presents a tiny round, flat, red spots. Usually, the lower extremities are affected, but these spots can appear on any part of the body. Additionally, numerous spots appear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Petechiae occurs as a result of intradermal hemorrhage or bleeding within the skin. The spots are red in color because they are comprised of red blood cells that have leaked out of the capillaries into the skin. While these spots are usually red in color, they can also appear as purple or brown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of the color, the spots do not become lighter when they are pressed on. The spots are rather small, similar in size to a pinpoint, and because multiple spots appear, petechiae can look like a rash. While several factors can contribute to petechiae, low platelets are one of the most common causes. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Frequent nosebleeds.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The nose is full of capillaries, the smallest of all blood vessels, and the lie close to the surface. Because of the density of capillaries and their position, the nose is prone to bleeding. As a result, those who have low platelets often experience frequent nosebleeds<\/a>. Since platelets play a significant role in blood clotting, even a minor injury in the nose can spark a major nosebleed; nose-blowing, a common cold, or any other irritation can spark a nosebleed in individuals with low platelet levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, these nosebleeds seem to occur out of nowhere and for no reason. While there are a variety of reasons why someone might experience chronic nosebleeds, such as exposure to dry air, chronic sinusitis, allergies, and hemophilia, another type of blood disorder, low platelet levels are also a common cause. If you are experiencing unexplained nose bleeds, see your medical doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Bloody gums.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bloody gums is another symptom that is commonly associated with low levels of platelets<\/a>. The gums, like the nose, are full of capillaries, and also like the nose, the capillaries lie close to the surface of the tissue. As a result, individuals with low platelet counts often experience bleeding gums. If anyone\u2019s gums become injured as a result of brushing, flossing, or sharp food, they can end up bleeding; hence why it is important to use gentle force while brushing and use caution while flossing; however, individuals who have low platelet counts can experience gum bleeding even when they use soft pressure while brushing or exercise extreme care while flossing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bleeding gums can be a sign of other conditions, such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and hemophilia; however, it can also be a sign of low platelets. See your dentist and doctor if you are experiencing bleeding gums. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Bloody urine.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blood in the urine can also be a symptom of low platelet levels. When platelet levels are low, bleeding can occur anywhere within the body, including the internal organs, such as the kidneys<\/a>, liver, bladder, and any other part of the urinary tract, including the tubes that carry urine out of the body. When platelet counts are low, if any of these organs sustain an injury, become infected, or are otherwise damaged, blood can be flushed out of the organs with urine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because platelets play a significant role in clotting, if these organs become damaged in any way \u2013 even insignificantly \u2013 blood cannot clot effectively, and as a result, it can appear in the urine. If you notice the presence of blood in your urine, speak to a medical doctor right away. Several factors can lead to bloody urine, including infections, kidney stones, tumors, and low platelet counts.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Heavy menstruation.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When women are suffering from low platelet counts, they often experience heavy menstrual flows. During puberty, all women develop a menstrual cycle. During menstruation<\/a>, a woman\u2019s body sheds its uterine lining, which develops each month in preparation for the implantation of a fertilized egg. If a fertilized egg does not implant in the uterus, the lining is shed and passed throughout the body. The lining is bloody, hence why women experience a menstrual cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Menstrual cycles can vary from woman to woman, and from month to month. However, women who do not possess enough platelets usually experience heavy menstrual flow. A heavy flow occurs for several reasons; however, after a heavy cycle, the body naturally returns to a \u201cstandard\u201d But, if you are experiencing menstruation that is particularly heavy and if periods are more frequent than usual, low platelet levels could be the cause of concern. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Bloody stools.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blood in the stools is not normal and is always a cause for concern, as it is a sign of internal bleeding within one of the organs that makes up the gastrointestinal tract. The stools may appear blackish in color and have a tar-like appearance and they may also be thinner than usual. Stools that have this appearance occur when bleeding is occurring in the upper region of the https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6394914\/<\/a>; the blood combines with digestive juices, which makes the stools look tarry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the lower part of the digestive tract is bleeding, the stools will feature bright red streaks of color. Bloody stools can occur for a number of reasons; bowel ischemia, vascular problems, ulcerative colitis, Crohn\u2019s disease, and diverticulosis are just some of the causes. Low platelets can also be a cause. Regardless of the cause, see your medical doctor if your stools appear bloody. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Excessive bleeding.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most telling signs of low platelet counts is excessive bleeding<\/a>. As discussed, platelets are the blood cells the body sends out in response to an injury. The cells clump together at the site of an injury and spread over it to cause a clot and stop the bleeding. When platelet levels are low, there aren\u2019t enough blood cells to join together, form a clot, and effectively stop bleeding. Therefore, individuals who are experiencing low platelet counts experience excessive bleeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, a minor injury, such as a slight abrasion, which would cause minimal bleeding in someone who has enough platelets, would bleed excessively in someone with low platelets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only would there be an exorbitant amount of blood, but the bleeding would be prolonged. Because the blood cannot effectively clot, those with low platelets can lose substantial amounts of blood, a situation that can become dangerous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are dealing with low platelet counts start to feel tired all the time, even after having a good night\u2019s sleep. This symptom is usually a sign that the patient is beginning to experience the onset of anemia. People with anemia have low hemoglobin counts. Hemoglobin<\/a> is a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of low red blood cell counts and low platelet levels, the patient has less hemoglobin available to satisfy the needs of metabolism. The patient will begin to feel like they don\u2019t have any energy throughout the day. The condition may also start to disturb cognitive processes as well. As a result, the affected individual may begin to experience the onset of impaired decision-making, as well as clouded thinking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rest does not help the situation, and the patient requires medication to increase the levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Jaundice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People with low platelet counts may start to encounter issues with the liver as levels continue to drop. The liver is one of the significant filters in the body. The organ is responsible for clearing toxins and relies on a steady supply of oxygenated blood to function at optimal levels. The liver also produces bilirubin, a substance that aids in digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When platelet levels fall to under the 25,000-mark per microliter, the patient may start to experience liver dysfunction. As a result, the liver begins to produce more bilirubin than usual, and the patient begins to notice the onset of pain in the abdomen, as well as jaundice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jaundice <\/a>describes a condition where the affected individual begins to notice that the whites of their eyes start to yellow. The symptoms of abdominal discomfort continue to intensify, and the patient may also experience the onset of yellowing of the skin as well. The patient requires immediate medical treatment to cure the symptoms of jaundice and restore liver function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Heavy Menstrual Flows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with low platelet counts and low levels of RBCs may find that they start to notice changes in their period. Women affected by the disorder may begin to experience the onset of massive menstrual flows that are abnormal. The additional bleeding symptoms occur due to changes in the blood vessels<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walls in the blood vessels may become compromised when platelet counts start to reach the 20,000-mark per microliter. As a result of the low platelet levels, the affected individual may begin to experience the effects of internal bleeding. The menstrual cycle may exacerbate these symptoms of bleeding, resulting in a potentially life-threatening situation for the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women who have low platelet counts, and experience heavy bleeding symptoms during their menstrual cycle, should speak to their doctor for advice on how to best manage the effects of the disorder. Doctors may recommend medications to help the patient restore platelet counts to normal levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Enlarged Spleen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the effects of low platelets and low red blood cell counts may start to encounter problems with the spleen<\/a>. The spleen is a vital part of the immune system. This organ houses new red blood cells, ready to release into the bloodstream at the command of the immune system. However, patients with low platelet levels may encounter issues with the strength in blood vessel walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of being a \u201cblood reservoir,\u201d the spleen may rupture and start to bleed internally if platelet counts get below the 20,000-mark. As a result of bursting, the patient will require emergency medical surgery to remove the spleen before the organ starts to leak and cause the onset of severe diseases, such as sepsis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who undergo surgery to remove the spleen make a full recovery. These individuals may still live a healthy life after the surgery, provided that doctors can resolve the issues with low platelet and RBC counts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Internal Bleeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the effect of low platelet counts and low RBC levels may start to experience the onset of internal bleeding. As platelet counts drop below the 20,00-mark per microliter, the patient begins to suffer a loss in the strength of blood vessel walls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The blood vessels, therefore, begin to burst, causing the onset of internal bleeding<\/a> symptoms. In some cases, the internal bleeding near the skin may cause the appearance of a rash, and the patient may also start to bruise easily. However, the internal bleeding symptoms that affect the spleen, kidneys, and liver could present a life-threatening situation for the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If platelet levels continue to fall below the 10,000-mark per microliter, the patient may start to experience dangerous internal bleeding symptoms that may cause bleeding on the brain. Bleeding on the brain may result in seizures in the affected individual, that put them in a coma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. Diagnosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People that notice the onset of the symptoms described in this article should seek immediate medical assistance. When visiting your doctor\u2019s office for a consultation, they will take a sample of your blood and send it off to the laboratory for analysis. It takes anywhere from 48 to 96-hours to receive your bloodwork back from the lab. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upon reviewing your results, your doctor will be able to determine the extent of the situation. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend a few changes in your diet and lifestyle<\/a>. they may also choose to put you on medication to reverse the effects of the disorder on your platelet count. Your doctor will also conduct a physical exam to look at your overall health.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your doctor will look for signs of internal bleeding, and check your spleen for any enlargement in the abdomen. Your physician will also ask you about your lifestyle and diet, as well as your medical history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>