Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a condition that affects the platelets in your blood. Platelets are a kind of cell. They help form blood clots that can help stop bleeding. With ITP, your body's immune system destroys platelets. Your blood can't clot if it doesn't have enough platelets. This causes bleeding problems.
Symptoms of ITP include bruises or blood spots (purpura) on the skin or in the mouth. You may also feel tired or have abnormal bleeding. Some people have nosebleeds and bleeding in the mouth or around the gums. Internal bleeding is a more serious problem that can occur.
Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your past health. You also will be asked what medicines you're taking. You may have some blood tests. Some other conditions can cause similar symptoms. Your doctor may also do tests to rule out those conditions.
The goal of treatment for ITP is to increase the number of platelets in your blood. This helps your blood clot and prevents bleeding.
Treatment options include:
These include steroids, IVIg (intravenous immunoglobulin), and others. They stop your immune system from destroying platelets.
Your spleen's job is to remove platelets from your blood. So taking out the spleen can help keep platelets in your blood.
This procedure adds platelets to your blood. It's usually used to treat an injury or prepare for surgery. It's not a long-term treatment.
Which treatment your doctor suggests depends on several things. These include the type of ITP you have, how long ago you were diagnosed, your symptoms, and the side effects you had with any past treatment. It can take some time to find the right one.
You may not need treatment if your platelet count is only slightly low.
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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