What Is The Most Common Cause Of Low Platelet Count? | Herbal Goodness

The tiniest of our blood cells, platelets, can only be seen under a microscope. In their inactive state, these are arranged like little plates. When a blood vessel is affected, it will send out a signal. Platelets will respond by traveling to the region and converting into their "active" configuration when they receive that signal. Platelets sprout extended tentacles to make contact with the ruptured blood vessel.

The platelet count in a typical blood sample ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter. Thrombocytosis is defined as having more than 450,000 platelets, Whereas thrombocytopenia is defined as having fewer than 150,000 platelets which are bad for your health. Your platelet count is determined by a standard blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). 

Causes

A variety of factors can cause thrombocytopenia or low platelet count. A condition known as immunological thrombocytopenia is one of the most common causes of decreased platelets (ITP). It's sometimes referred to as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. many people aren't sure what causes this condition, but it occurs when your immune system isn't functioning properly. Your antibodies, which are designed to protect you, end up destroying your platelets.

Thrombocytopenia may be hereditary, but it can also be acquired due to various health conditions.Thrombocytopenia can also occur when your body produces insufficient platelets. This could happen for a variety of reasons. 

Pregnancy

In the third trimester of pregnancy, gestational thrombocytopenia may occur as a result of a rise in blood volume. Moreover, low platelet count in pregnancy may occur during labor because of a weakened immune system.  Also the platelet counts could remain the same, but the platelets are more diluted due to the increased blood volume. 

Insufficient Vitamins and Minerals

A poor diet might cause low platelet counts. Your body needs nutrients such as vitamin B12 and folate to produce platelets. 

Heavy Consumption of Alcohol

Malnutrition occurs when your body does not receive adequate nutrients as a result of excessive drinking.

Bone marrow issues can occur in people who use a lot of alcohol. When this occurs, your body has difficulty producing new platelets since platelets are produced in the Bone Marrow. Alcohol itself has the potential to be harmful to bone marrow. 

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How can you know if you have a low platelet count?

The number of platelets in your blood determines whether or not you can say you have low platelets.

Milly, such as when a low platelet count happens during pregnancy you may not see any signs of this. 

If your platelet count is low, you may have some of the following signs:

• A rash with small red or purple dots called petechiae, and nosebleeds with red, purple, or brown bruises.
• Bleeding gums that linger or don't stop on their own