Thrombocytopenia
When to make a doctor’s appointment
Make an appointment to see a doctor if:
- Easy bruising
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts
- Rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots, usually on lower legs
- Bleeding from gums or nose
- Blood in urine or stool
Self-care
Self-care options include avoidance of injury-causing activities, no more than moderate alcohol use, and cautious use of over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
When to seek immediate medical care
See a doctor immediately if:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
When to make a doctor's appointment
Make an appointment to see a doctor if:
- Easy bruising
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts
- Rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots, usually on lower legs
- Bleeding from gums or nose
- Blood in urine or stool
Description
A low number of platelets in the blood. Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are colorless blood cells that stop bleeding in blood vessel injuries.
Overview
Thrombocytopenia is caused by conditions or medicines that affect the circulation, production or destruction of blood platelets. If platelet level becomes too low, there's a risk of serious bleeding after an injury or during surgery. Rarely, dangerous internal bleeding can occur.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include excessive bruising, a rash that looks like tiny dots on the skin, excessive bleeding from minor injuries, bleeding from the gums, nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, and unusually heavy menstrual flows. Some people will have no symptoms.
Treatments
Treatment usually includes stopping the medicine or treating the disease that caused thrombocytopenia. Other treatments may include medicines to protect platelets or transfusions of donor platelets.
