A low platelet count means that your blood is lacking the small cells it needs to form clots. Autoimmune disease, infections, and conditions that affect bone marrow can cause low platelets. In rare instances, it can be related to a genetic disorder. Show
Having low platelets, known as thrombocytopenia, can be life-threatening. Your body might not be able to stop blood flow if you're injured, and you could be at risk for excessive bleeding. This article discusses normal and abnormal platelet counts, some of the causes of low platelets, and symptoms you may experience. It also describes strategies for managing the condition and how it is usually treated. Artist's depiction of red blood cells.Virusowy / Getty Images Normal and Abnormal Platelet CountsA complete blood count (CBC) test is a standard panel of bloodwork. The platelet count is one of things this test measures. Here is what various platelet counts mean:
Genetic Causes of Low PlateletsThrombocytopenia can be genetic, which means it is passed down through families. Genetic forms are rare. They are sometimes misdiagnosed as other forms of the disease. Platelet Dysfunction or Destruction Your body may produce enough platelets on its own, but some conditions and medicines may destroy them or stop them from working correctly (dysfunction). Autoimmune ConditionsWhen you have an autoimmune condition, your immune system attacks healthy cells. Diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis may cause the immune system to destroy platelets. Bacterial Blood Infections Bacteremia, also called blood poisoning, is a bacterial infection that affects the blood. This infection may lead to a reduction in platelets. MedicationAnticoagulants are medications that stop your blood from clotting. Heparin Sodium ADD-Vantage (heparin) is an example of this type of medication. Decreased Platelet ProductionThrombocytopenia can also happen when your body doesn't make enough platelets. There are several reasons this might happen. PregnancyGestational thrombocytopenia is fairly common in the third trimester of pregnancy. It happens because of an increase in blood volume. The platelet counts stay the same in this condition, but since the blood volume is higher, the platelets are more diluted. There is usually a low risk of serious bleeding. Chemotherapy and RadiationChemotherapy and radiation are common therapies for cancer. They are very effective at killing cancer cells. Unfortunately, they can't tell the difference between cancer cells and healthy cells. These therapies target any cells that
reproduce quickly. This includes cells in bone marrow. Cancer treatments may unintentionally kill the cells in bone marrow that produce platelets. When this happens, your body won't be able to produce the platelets it needs. Leukemia Blood cancer may also cause low platelets. When bone marrow is invaded by cancer cells, healthy cells can be crowded out by cancer cells. This will affect the production of
platelets. Nutritional Deficiencies Poor nutrition can cause low platelet counts. To make platelets, your body needs nutrients like vitamin B12 and folate. Viral Infections Certain viral infections such as hepatitis C or HIV can prevent bone marrow from making platelets. Heavy Alcohol UseHeavy drinking can cause malnutrition, which is when your body doesn't get enough nutrients. People who drink a lot of alcohol may have bone marrow abnormalities. When this happens, your body has trouble making new platelets. Alcohol itself may have a toxic effect on bone marrow. RecapMany conditions can cause a decrease in the production of platelets. These conditions often prevent bone marrow from making platelets. Certain viruses, poor nutrition, and heavy alcohol use can impact your body's ability to make platelets. Blood cancer and cancer treatment can also have this effect. Enlarged SpleenSeveral conditions may result in an enlarged spleen. A healthy spleen stores up to one-third of the body's platelets. An enlarged spleen may trap platelets. This will prevent them from entering the bloodstream. Symptoms of Low PlateletsA low platelet count can cause a variety of symptoms. Call your doctor if you notice these issues or if they become more frequent or severe:
It is important to call your healthcare provider at once if you have any of the following symptoms:
Managing Low PlateletsYou can limit problems caused by low platelets by doing things that lower your risk of bleeding:
RecapYou can limit the problems caused by low platelets by taking steps to avoid injury. It also helps to avoid certain medications and limit your intake of alcohol. What to Do If Bleeding StartsBleeding can be a serious concern in someone with a low platelet count. If you begin bleeding, contact your doctor at once. Follow these steps to minimize bleeding:
RecapIf you have a low platelet count and you begin bleeding, call your doctor right away. Bleeding can be minimized by applying pressure and/or ice and elevating the wound. Treatment of Low PlateletsIt is important to identify the cause of low platelets. When the cause is clear, treatment can usually help your levels return to normal. If you are receiving therapies that affect your platelet count, such as cancer treatment, your platelets should return to normal once the treatment ends. Keep in mind that the timeline is different for everyone. In some cases, a platelet transfusionmay be needed. This is a procedure where you receive platelets from a donor through a vein. A transfusion can help prevent complications from bleeding. Autoimmune conditions can be treated with drugs that suppress your immune system. This will help stop the destruction of platelets. When low platelets are caused by medication, the solution is often just switching medications. Your doctor will help you find the right alternative drug. RecapWhen the cause is known, low platelets will usually resolve with treatment. You may need to change medication or wait until you are done with treatments like chemotherapy. Platelet transfusions are sometimes required. SummaryPeople with thrombocytopenia have a low number of blood platelets. This can lead to problems with excessive bleeding. Low platelets may be genetic. Typically, though, low platelets are caused
by conditions that either lead to the destruction of platelets or prevent platelets from forming. Certain medications or therapies like cancer treatment may also cause low platelets. People with low platelets have a variety of symptoms including excessive bleeding and easy bruising. Low platelets can be managed by avoiding situations that might cause bleeding. The condition usually gets better once the cause is understood
and the patient gets treatment. Low platelets, or thrombocytopenia, are a common side effect of blood cancers and their treatment. They can also be caused by autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, heavy alcohol consumption, or certain medications. When you have low platelets, you may have frequent or excessive bleeding. It is important to try to avoid injury. This will help prevent dangerous complications. Frequently Asked Questions
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Additional Reading
By Karen Raymaakers Thanks for your feedback! What does it mean if your platelets are low?Thrombocytopenia — low platelet levels — may increase your risk of issues like excessive bleeding and bruising. Severe thrombocytopenia increases your risk of internal bleeding or heart attack. If you have this condition, it's important to understand why you have low platelet levels.
What deficiency causes low platelets?A deficiency of B-12 has been associated with low platelet counts. The best sources of vitamin B-12 tend to be animal-based foods, such as: beef liver.
When should I be concerned about low platelet count?If you experience any signs of internal bleeding, seek immediate medical attention. In rare cases, thrombocytopenia may lead to bleeding in your brain. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have a low platelet count and experience headaches or neurological problems.
|