What are the Symptoms of Low Blood Platelet Count?
October 15, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
A low blood platelet count, medically known as thrombocytopenia, can cause a variety of symptoms related to bleeding and easy bruising. Platelets are essential for blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. Symptoms of thrombocytopenia can include:
- Easy Bruising:
- Developing bruises easily and with minimal trauma or pressure on the skin.
- Petechiae:
- Tiny, pinpoint-sized red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin. They often appear on the lower legs but can occur anywhere on the body.
- Purpura:
- Larger areas of skin discoloration caused by bleeding under the skin. Purpura may look like large bruises and can vary in color from red to purple.
- Bleeding Gums:
- Bleeding from the gums while brushing teeth, flossing, or eating, or spontaneous gum bleeding.
- Nosebleeds:
- Frequent or recurrent nosebleeds without an obvious cause.
- Heavy Menstrual Periods (in Women):
- Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding in women due to decreased platelets affecting normal clotting.
- Blood in Stools or Urine:
- Blood in the stools (hematochezia) or urine (hematuria), which may appear red or black and tarry.
- Blood in Vomit:
- Vomiting blood (hematemesis) or the appearance of coffee-ground-like material in vomit.
- Prolonged Bleeding from Cuts or Wounds:
- Experiencing prolonged bleeding from minor cuts or wounds, or difficulty stopping bleeding.
- Unexplained Fatigue:
- Feeling extremely tired, weak, or fatigued due to persistent low platelet count and increased bleeding tendencies.
- Frequent Headaches or Changes in Vision:
- Frequent headaches, changes in vision, or neurological symptoms, which can occur in severe cases of thrombocytopenia.
It’s important to note that thrombocytopenia can result from various causes, including underlying medical conditions, certain medications, infections, immune system disorders, bone marrow disorders, or nutritional deficiencies. The severity and specific symptoms can vary based on the underlying cause and the extent of the platelet reduction.
If you suspect you have a low platelet count or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical evaluation and diagnosis for appropriate management and treatment.