Why do platelet counts go down

When bone marrow is invaded by cancer cells, healthy cells can be crowded out by cancer cells. This will affect the production of platelets. Poor nutrition can cause low platelet counts. To make platelets, your body needs nutrients like vitamin B12 and folate. Certain viral infections such as hepatitis C or HIV can prevent bone marrow from making platelets.

Heavy drinking can cause malnutrition , which is when your body doesn't get enough nutrients. People who drink a lot of alcohol may have bone marrow abnormalities. When this happens, your body has trouble making new platelets. Alcohol itself may have a toxic effect on bone marrow. Many conditions can cause a decrease in the production of platelets. These conditions often prevent bone marrow from making platelets. Certain viruses, poor nutrition, and heavy alcohol use can impact your body's ability to make platelets.

Blood cancer and cancer treatment can also have this effect. Several conditions may result in an enlarged spleen. A healthy spleen stores up to one-third of the body's platelets. An enlarged spleen may trap platelets.

This will prevent them from entering the bloodstream. A low platelet count can cause a variety of symptoms. Call your doctor if you notice these issues or if they become more frequent or severe:. It is important to call your healthcare provider at once if you have any of the following symptoms:.

You can limit problems caused by low platelets by doing things that lower your risk of bleeding:. You can limit the problems caused by low platelets by taking steps to avoid injury. It also helps to avoid certain medications and limit your intake of alcohol. Bleeding can be a serious concern in someone with a low platelet count. If you begin bleeding, contact your doctor at once. Follow these steps to minimize bleeding:.

If you have a low platelet count and you begin bleeding, call your doctor right away. It is important to identify the cause of low platelets. When the cause is clear, treatment can usually help your levels return to normal. If you are receiving therapies that affect your platelet count, such as cancer treatment, your platelets should return to normal once the treatment ends.

Keep in mind that the timeline is different for everyone. In some cases, a platelet transfusion may be needed. This is a procedure where you receive platelets from a donor through a vein. A transfusion can help prevent complications from bleeding. Autoimmune conditions can be treated with drugs that suppress your immune system. This will help stop the destruction of platelets. When low platelets are caused by medication, the solution is often just switching medications. Your doctor will help you find the right alternative drug.

When the cause is known, low platelets will usually resolve with treatment. You may need to change medication or wait until you are done with treatments like chemotherapy. Platelet transfusions are sometimes required. People with thrombocytopenia have a low number of blood platelets. The body produces more platelets during and following an injury.

However, because platelets cause blood clotting, they can also cause dangerous blood clots in the arms or legs. The blood clot may break off or travel to another area of the body.

The risk of a blood clot is higher in people who are confined to bed by illness or who cannot move their limbs. Someone who has an elevated platelet count because of a recent injury but who must remain in bed may need monitoring to reduce the risk of blood clots as a result. Some temporary conditions can cause a higher than normal platelet count.

A doctor may order a retest a few days or weeks later when this happens. Some common reasons that platelets are temporarily elevated include:. A low platelet count can make it difficult for the blood to clot, putting a person at risk of excessive bleeding. The cause may be due to an inherited tendency to not produce enough platelets, but the cause may also be unknown.

In other cases, it is due to an underlying medical condition. If the blood platelet count falls below 20, per mcL, a person can begin bleeding spontaneously. People who experience spontaneous bleeding may require a blood transfusion. Low platelet count increases the risk of death in people who have recently experienced a traumatic injury. Platelet count also tends to decline with age. A platelet count that is lower than it once was, or that is on the lower end of normal, may not be a cause for concern in an older adult—especially if there are no other symptoms.

Changes in platelet count may mean that a person has a chronic illness or that there is an issue with the bone marrow. It is generally not possible, however, to diagnose a medical condition based on platelet count alone. They may want you to call your doctor's office immediately.

It may also be necessary to seek emergency medical care. This 1-page printable PDF introduction to thrombocytopenia includes possible causes, symptoms, how it is diagnosed, treatment options, words to know, and questions to ask the health care team. What are the signs of a low platelet count? If you have any of these signs, talk to your health care team right away: More bruises, or worse bruises, than usual Small purple or red dots under your skin Nosebleeds or bleeding gums Black or bloody-looking bowel movements Red or pink urine Vomit with blood in it An unusually heavy menstrual period Severe headaches Muscle or joint pain Feeling weak or dizzy When you have a low platelet count, your body may have difficulty stopping bleeding from a nosebleed or a cut.

What can cause a low platelet count? There are several common causes, including: Chemotherapy. Less common causes of a low platelet count include: Cancer that spreads to the bone. How is a low platelet count diagnosed? How is a low platelet count treated?

Preventing bleeding when you have a low platelet count When you have a low platelet count, take extra care to avoid situations that could cause bleeding. Here are some tips: Ask your doctor before drinking alcohol or taking any new medication, including over the counter OTC pain relievers. Use an extra soft toothbrush and brush gently.

Do not floss if your gums bleed. Blow your nose gently, using a soft tissue. Be extra careful when using scissors, a knife, a needle, or other sharp tools. Shave with an electric razor. Avoid contact sports and other activities that might cause injury. Use a nail file with rounded ends to trim nails, instead of nail clippers. Do not walk around with bare feet, inside or outside. Questions to ask your health care team Is a low platelet count a possible side effect for me?

Will I have regular tests to check for a low platelet count? How, and how often? What signs of a low platelet count should I look out for? It varies in size and shape, but is typically about 4 inches long.

The spleen acts as a filter for your blood and helps fight bacteria. It recycles old red blood cells, and stores platelets and white blood cells.

When your spleen becomes enlarged due to advanced liver disease or blood cancers, it can hold on to an excessive number of platelets, decreasing the number in circulation throughout your body. She has a passion for motivating and educating blood donors through storytelling. I am Oneblood Testimonials Video Gallery. About Hosting Submit Hosting Form. Promotions Search Rewards Store.

Milestone Store. All blood donors must wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. What causes low platelet count? Lauren Frame April 23, The platelet count in your bloodstream is reduced by one or more of the following main processes: Decreased production of platelets. Increased destruction of platelets.