Signs And Symtoms Of Depression?
Q: Mild thrombocytopenia often causes no signs or symptoms. A routine blood
test may show that your platelet count is low even though you haven't
been experiencing problems. If you have a condition that puts you at
risk of thrombocytopenia, your doctor may monitor your platelet count to
make sure it doesn't fall too low.
If you've noticed possible signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia, such
as easy bruising or excessive bleeding, your doctor will likely obtain a
platelet count from a blood test and examine your blood under a
microscope. Your doctor may also order special blood tests and a bone
marrow examination to help determine the cause.
A:If you have abnormal bleeding or bruising, or if you develop a rash of
pinpoint-sized red spots (petechiae), see your doctor. Because some of
the underlying causes of thrombocytopenia are serious, it's important
for your doctor to promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms.
Also, see your doctor promptly if you're taking heparin and you have
severe or increasing pain in your leg. This may be an indication of a
blood clot deep in a vein in your leg, which can seriously affect your
health.
Treating thrombocytopenia may involve several options:
* Medications. For idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, treatment
may include medications that block the antibodies that attack platelets,
such as corticosteroids, or medications that suppress the immune system
to reduce antibody formation, such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) or
azathioprine (Imuran).
* Surgery. Sometimes, removing the spleen (splenectomy) relieves
signs and symptoms or helps improve chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic
purpura that doesn't respond to corticosteroids.
* Blood transfusions and plasma exchange. For severe bleeding, your
doctor can replace lost blood with transfusions of packed red blood