Thrombocytopenia: Symptoms & Signs

Thrombocytopenia is the medical term for the condition of having too few platelets in the blood. Platelets are tiny particles in the blood that are essential for the control of bleeding.

Signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia can include

• petechiae (tiny red spots) on the skin,
• purpura (larger red-purplish spots) on the skin,
• excessive bruising,
• prolonged bleeding from cuts,
• nosebleed,
• bleeding gums,
• blood in the urine (hematuria),
• blood in stool, and
• heavy menstrual periods.

Causes of thrombocytopenia

Decreased platelet production as a result of viral infections, certain medications, blood diseases, or inherited disorders can cause thrombocytopenia. Conditions that cause excessive platelet destruction, like pregnancy, immune system disorders, and certain medications are another possible cause. In other cases, the spleen sequesters platelets so that there are not enough platelets in the circulating blood.

Other thrombocytopenia symptoms and signs

• Bleeding Gums
• Blood in Stool
• Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
• Excessive Bruising
• Heavy Menstrual Periods
• Nosebleed
• Petechiae (Tiny Red Spots) on the Skin
• Prolonged Bleeding From Cuts
• Purpura (Larger Red-Purplish Spots) on the Skin

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