Blood elements, which are supposed to be fragments of megakaryocytes (huge bone marrow cells), are platelets. Thrombopoietin, a hormone mainly synthesized in the liver, but also present in the spleen and kidneys, plays an essential role in the formation of blood platelets. Low platelets in the blood are a rather alarming symptom. This phenomenon requires a detailed study, because it can be evidence of the presence of serious pathologies.
Low platelets in the blood: causes
A microliter of blood normally contains from 150 to 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 tirelessly synthesizes new elements. A low number of platelets in the blood can be detected either as a result of their insufficient formation, or as a result of their too rapid destruction, or one and the second together.
Inadequate blood platelet formation may occur due to leukemia, viral diseases, chemotherapy, and poisoning. And they are destroyed faster than they are formed, in diseases and conditions such 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 the drugs "Sulfanilamide", "Quinine", "Heparin", anticonvulsant drugs.
Precautionary measures
A decrease in platelet blood inevitably leads to a decrease in its coagulability, that is, its liquefaction occurs. In this case, a person even with weak bumps and small cuts will form large bruises and hematomas. That is why it is 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 red blood cells and plasma into the subcutaneous tissue. In general, people with thrombocytopenia should avoid consuming any substance that may contribute to blood thinning. So, they are forbidden to use medicines containing ibuprofen, aspirin, penicillin antibiotics, sulfonamides. It is necessary to refuse smoking and the use of alcohol not to worsen the general state of health. Women should be especially cautious - low platelets in the blood can cause severe uterine bleeding instead of regular menstruation, and this is already fraught with serious consequences. It is not worth planning a pregnancy until the blood platelets are raised to a normal level, because during the period of gestation, these blood elements in healthy people are reduced.
How to increase platelet count
The most effective method is to follow a certain diet. You need to eat foods containing calcium (cottage cheese, cheese), fatty acids (nuts, namely almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts), vitamin K (leafy vegetables, parsley, lingonberry and grape leaves ). In addition, certain medications help eliminate thrombocytopenia. The most effective, but at the same time very expensive way of treatment is transfusion of platelet suspension to the patient.