HYDERABAD: There are various reasons why one’s platelet number can fall. They can be low for temporary period or for longer periods. There are three grades of severity called mild, moderate and severe. Generally speaking, knowing the cause why one had low platelets is very important, as low platelets can be associated with serious blood conditions like blood cancers.
This can be easily ruled out by looking at blood smear under the microscope by an experienced person.
One needs to consult specialist in blood called Haematologist to ensure no serious conditions are causing this in the first place.
People will have symptoms of low platelets only when levels are very low and not all patients with low platelets need platelet transfusions. We give platelet transfusions only if someone is bleeding or there is risk of bleeding.
Causes of low platelets include infections like Dengue, Malaria, viral infections, vitamin deficiencies, medications, serious blood disorders like Leukemia and Lymphoma or other bone marrow problems.
Infection related problems should settle within few weeks after recovery from infection. One has to be vigilant in not missing out cancer/serious conditions while looking after patients with low platelets.
Many patients suffer from condition called ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia) where their body recognises their platelets as foreign and destroys them. Not all these patients need treatment despite low platelet counts as they do not always cause problems.
Every treatment has its own side effects hence discuss with your doctor the rationale for treatment if you don’t have bleeding symptoms with low platelets.
Be aware serious reactions can occur with platelet transfusions.
Some General measures to take if you have low platelets:
Caution with taking Aspirin,Clopidogrel or blood thinning medications.
Caution with strong painkillers like Ibuprofen.
Do not consume excessive garlic and mustard as they reduce the platelet function
There is no proven scientific evidence papaya leaf juice-causing rise in platelet count.
(The author is a consultant haemato oncology and stem cell transplant, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills)