What is thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is a low number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are the cells that help blood clot. If you don't have enough of them, your blood cannot clot well. So it is harder to stop bleeding.

You may have low platelets because your bone marrow does not make them. Or your body's defenses (immune system) may destroy them.

Having an enlarged spleen can also reduce the number of platelets in your blood. This is because they can get trapped in the enlarged spleen.

Some diseases or medicines may also cause low platelets. But platelets may go back to normal levels if the disease is treated or the medicine is stopped.

You may not need treatment if your problem is mild. If you do need treatment, you may have platelets added to your blood. Or you may get medicine to stop the loss of platelets or help your body make them.

Symptoms of thrombocytopenia include:

• Bruising easily.
• Pinpoint-sized red spots around the feet and ankles. These tiny spots are called petechiae. In more serious cases, the spots are larger and more widespread. These larger spots are called purpura.
• Nosebleeds.
• Heavy menstrual flow.

Treatment for low platelets starts with finding a cause that can be stopped. For example, your doctor may change a drug you take or treat an infection you have.

Treatment may include:

• Injecting platelets into a vein. This is called platelet transfusion.
• Taking medicines to stop the body from destroying the platelets.
• Taking medicine that helps the body make more platelets.
• Having surgery to remove the spleen.

You may not need treatment if your problem is mild.

This condition is sometimes found during a routine blood test. Your doctor will ask about your past health, any symptoms you have, and any medicines you take. The doctor may do a physical exam. You may have tests to check the level of platelets and other blood cells and to find out what's causing this problem.

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines unless your doctor says it is okay. Examples are ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). They may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Avoid contact sports or activities that could cause you to fall.

You may have low platelets because your bone marrow doesn't make them. Or your body's defenses (immune system) may destroy them.

Having an enlarged spleen can also reduce the number of platelets in your blood. This is because they can get trapped in the enlarged spleen.

Some diseases or medicines may also cause low platelets. But platelets may go back to normal levels if you treat the disease or stop using the medicine.

Thrombocytopenia (say "throm-buh-sy-tuh-PEE-nee-uh") is a low number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are the cells that help blood clot. If you don't have enough of them, your blood can't clot well. That means it's harder to stop bleeding.