Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count) (cont.)
What are the symptoms of thrombocytopenia?
In many instances, thrombocytopenia may have no symptoms, especially if mild,
and it can be detected only incidentally on routine blood work done for other
reasons.
If thrombocytopenia is severe, for example less than 20
per micro liter, it can potentially manifest as increase bleeding when a person
is cut or injured or increased bleeding during
menstrual period.
Spontaneous bleeding can also happen with severe
thrombocytopenia (less than 10,000 to 20,000 platelets). This type of bleeding
usually occurs under the skin or the mucus membrane (the inner lining of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal
tract, or the nasal cavity).
Petechiae may be seen in patients with very low platelet counts. Petechiae
are small (pin head size) red, flat spots seen under the skin on the dependent
parts of the body because of increased pressure due to gravity, for example, on
the lower legs. These happen because of bleeding out of the tiny blood vessels
under the skin or the mucus membrane. Petechiae are generally not palpable or
painful.
Other rashes or bruises seen in thrombocytopenia are called purpura, which
are small, purple spots under the skin as a result of hemorrhage. These are
typically greater than 3 millimeters in diameter and may represent a confluence
of petechiae.
When should I seek medical care for thrombocytopenia?
If thrombocytopenia is detected on a routine blood work, it is generally
addressed and investigated by the physician who orders the blood draw. In people
with known thrombocytopenia, follow-up care is decided based on the diagnosis
and the severity.
People with thrombocytopenia are, in general, initially cared for by an
internist or a family practice physician. Sometimes, consultation with a doctor
who specializes in blood disorders (hematologist) is helpful for more thorough
investigation or treatment.
Next: How is thrombocytopenia diagnosed? »
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