Low blood platelets in the blood: causes and ways to increase

Elements of blood, which are supposedly fragments of megakaryocytes (huge cells of the bone marrow), are platelets. Essential role in the formation of blood platelets is played by thrombopoietin, a hormone mainly synthesized in the liver, but also present in the spleen and kidneys. Low platelets in the blood are a rather disturbing symptom. This phenomenon requires detailed study, because it can be evidence of serious pathologies.

Low platelets in the blood: causes

In a microliter of blood, there are normally between 150 and 450 thousand of these cell fragments. If their number decreases, a condition called thrombocytopenia occurs. In general, platelets live only ten days. Therefore, the bone marrow continuously synthesizes new elements. A low number of platelets in the blood can be detected either as a result of their insufficient formation, or due to their too rapid destruction, or one and the other together.

The formation of blood platelets in insufficient quantity can occur due to leukemia, viral diseases, chemotherapy, poisoning. And they are destroyed faster than they are formed, with such diseases and conditions as pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, idiopathic and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, sepsis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Also, low platelets in the blood can be the result of taking drugs "Sulfanilamid", "Quinine", "Heparin", anticonvulsant medication.

Precautionary measures

Decrease in blood of platelets inevitably leads to a decrease in its coagulability, that is, its liquefaction occurs. In this case, even with weak strokes and small cuts, a person develops large bruises and bruises. That's why it's so important to be extremely careful and avoid any damage. Often, low platelets in the blood give rise to a condition such as hemorrhagic diathesis. It is characterized by the release of erythrocytes and plasma into the subcutaneous tissue. In general, people with thrombocytopenia should avoid the use of any substances that can contribute to the dilution of blood. So, they are forbidden to use medicines containing ibuprofen, aspirin, penicillin antibiotics, sulfonamides. Refuse should be from smoking and drinking alcohol, so as not to impair general health. Especially cautious women should be - low platelets in the blood can cause a heavy uterine bleeding instead of the usual menstruation, and this is fraught with serious consequences. It is not necessary to plan a pregnancy until blood platelets are raised to normal levels, because during the period of gestation the blood elements are also reduced in healthy people .

How to increase the level of platelets

The most effective method is the observance of a certain diet. You need to eat foods with calcium (cottage cheese, cheese), fatty acids (nuts, namely almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts), vitamin K (leafy vegetables, parsley, cowberry leaves and grapes). In addition, the elimination of thrombocytopenia helps the intake of certain medications. The most effective, but at the same time very expensive method of treatment is a transfusion to a patient with platelet suspension.