Factors that can decrease platelet production include:

• Leukemia and other cancers.
• Some types of anemia.
• Viral infections, such as hepatitis C or HIV.
• Chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy.
• Heavy alcohol consumption.

Apr 8, 2020
A low platelet count occurs for several reasons. However, in the elderly it is most often as a result from arthritis, a malfunctioning immune system or chemotherapy. What causes low platelet count and thrombocytopenia? Autoimmune Diseases Autoimmune diseases can also reduce platelet counts and be an underlying cause of thrombocytopenia.

Does platelet count decrease with age?

Platelet count remains relatively stable during middle age (25–60 years old) but falls in old age (60+), decreasing by approximately 8 %, or 20,000 platelets /μl, between 50- and 59-year-old subjects and those over 70 years old (Segal and Moliterno 2006).

What is the most common cause of low platelets?

One of the most common causes of low platelets is a condition called immune thrombocytopenia ( ITP ). You may hear it called by its old name, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

When should I be concerned about low platelet count?

The following platelet counts carry the risk of serious bleeding: Between 20,000 and 50,000 per μl: There is more risk of bleeding when injured. Less than 20,000 per μl: Bleeding happens even without injury. Below 10,000 platelets per μl: Spontaneous bleeding can be severe and a risk to life.

What is the life expectancy of someone with ITP?

In the majority of people with ITP , the condition isn’t serious or life -threatening. Acute ITP in children often resolves within six months or less without treatment. Chronic ITP can last for many years. People can live for many decades with the disease, even those with severe cases.

Is a platelet count of 130 bad?

A normal platelet count in adults ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A platelet count of less than 150,000 platelets per microliter is lower than normal. If your blood platelet count falls below normal, you have thrombocytopenia.

Can low platelets make you tired?

Thrombocytopenia ( low platelet count) definition and facts. Symptoms and signs of thrombocytopenia may include fatigue , bleeding, and others.

What is low platelets a sign of?

Platelets stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel injuries. Thrombocytopenia might occur as a result of a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia or an immune system problem. Or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications. It affects both children and adults.

How do I raise my platelet count?

Foods that increase platelet count Vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 helps keep your blood cells healthy. Folate. Folate is a B vitamin that helps your cells, including blood cells. Iron. Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your platelets group together and function efficiently.

What happens if platelets are low?

When you don’t have enough platelets in your blood, your body can’t form clots. A low platelet count may also be called thrombocytopenia. This condition can range from mild to severe, depending on its underlying cause. For some, the symptoms can include severe bleeding and are possibly fatal if they’re not treated.

What should I eat if I have low platelets?

Consuming a diet rich in folate foods like oranges, peanuts, kidney beans, and black-eyed peas has been seen to significantly boost the blood platelet count in patients suffering from a low platelet count.

Does low platelets affect your immune system?

If you do not have enough platelets in your blood, you are likely to bruise very easily or may be unable to stop bleeding if you cut yourself. ITP causes your body’s immune system to destroy your platelets . White blood cells in your blood and your spleen (an organ in your abdomen) are part of your immune system .

What is the alarming level of platelets?

A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Having more than 450,000 platelets is a condition called thrombocytosis; having less than 150,000 is known as thrombocytopenia.

Can ITP turn into leukemia?

ITP does not turn into a more serious blood disorder, like leukemia or aplastic anemia. It is usually not a sign that their child will later develop other autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or “lupus”).

What triggers ITP?

What causes idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ? In ITP , the immune system is stimulated to attack your body’s own platelets. Most often this is a result of antibody production against platelets. In a small number of cases, a type of white blood cell called T-cells will directly attack platelets.

Can low platelets make you dizzy?

The most common symptoms are: Signs of anemia, such as weakness, tiredness, headaches, heart palpitations and dizziness . Low platelet counts cause easy and profuse bleeding, as well as unexplained bruising.