Has your doctor told you that you have low platelets? This condition can be a response from your body to multiple situations.
When there is a decrease in platelets, the medical term that experts use to refer to this condition is thrombocytopenia.
For this reason, when there is an excess or deficiency of platelets, they do not function properly. In this regard, NIH experts mention that it is important to measure the number of platelets in the blood for the diagnosis of some diseases or disorders.
It is important to mention that the number of platelets considered normal ranges between 150 thousand and 400 thousand platelets per microliter of blood, according to experts.
What causes low platelets?
There are various causes that lead to a drop in platelets. According to hematologists Silvana Oliva and Alejandra Ramírez, one of the most common causes is viral infectious diseases.
According to Oliva, this happens for many reasons, including:
- Molecular mimicry . The specialist mentions that, when faced with an illness, the body triggers its defense response. In the case of viral diseases, some virus particles resemble platelets, so the immune system recognizes them as viruses and attacks them.
- The bone marrow is directly affected . In this case, these are diseases that cause a reduction in the number of platelets because they directly attack the bone marrow.
- Presence of toxins . There are viruses or bacteria that have toxins that can cause platelets to drop.
- Inflammation . Some diseases also cause inflammatory conditions that lead to a decrease in platelets.
What disease can cause low platelets?
As mentioned above, viral infections are the most common cause. However, there are other reasons for low platelets. Ramirez mentions the following:
- All kinds of infections, including bacterial ones
- Bone marrow aplasia. This consists of the disappearance of the cells responsible for producing blood that are found in the bone marrow.
- Thrombocytopenic purpura is a bleeding disorder in which the immune system eliminates platelets.
- Diseases such as anemia and leukemia
- Taking medications
- Inter alia
Why do platelets drop when there is dengue?
Dengue is one of the viral diseases that can cause a decrease in the number of platelets. Oliva says that this is because this virus directly affects the production of these within the bone marrow, since it decreases.
How do I know if I have low platelets?
According to experts, a diagnostic test should be performed. In some laboratories, this test is known as a platelet count. On the other hand, there are some symptoms that can be experienced if there is a decrease in platelets , among which are:
- Bruises
- Bleeding from the nose and gums when brushing
- Heavier than normal menstrual period
- Hemorrhage during minor or major surgery
- Fatigue
- Fatigue
- Inter alia
Remember that if you experience any symptoms, it is best to schedule an appointment with your trusted doctor to avoid serious health problems.