Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia)

What is a Low Platelet Count?

Blood is made up of several types of cells. These cells float in a liquid called
plasma. The types of blood cells are:
red blood cells
white blood cells
platelets, or thrombocytes
Normally, you have anywhere from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per
microliter of circulating blood. Because each platelet lives only about 10
days, your body continually renews your platelet supply by producing new
platelets in your bone marrow.

When your skin is injured or broken, platelets clump together and form clots
to stop the bleeding. When you do not have enough platelets in your blood,
your body cannot form clots.
Causes of Low Platelet Count
heredity
o kidney infection or dysfunction

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One reason might be that your bone marrow (where all the components of
blood, including platelets, are produced) is not forming enough platelets, due
to
aplastic anemia
vitamin B12 deficiency
Folate (iron) deficiency
viral infectionsincluding the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), EpsteinBarr virus, and chicken pox
exposure to chemotherapy, radiation, or toxic chemicals
consuming too much alcohol
cirrhosis
leukemia
myelodysplasia

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Another cause is that the body is breaking down its platelets at too fast a
rate, due to
certain medications, include diuretics and anti-seizure medications

Sometimes a drug confuses the immune system and causes it to

destroy platelets. Examples include heparin, quinine, sulfa-containing
antibiotics and anticonvulsants
hypersplenism, also known as an enlarged spleen
autoimmune disorders
pregnancy
bacterial infection in the blood - due to eating raw or undercooked
meat
idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) or Immune
thrombocytopenia. This type is caused by autoimmune diseases, such as
lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The body's immune system mistakenly
attacks and destroys platelets. If the exact cause of this condition isn't
known, it's called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. This type moreoften
affects children.
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) - This is a rare
condition that occurs when small blood clots suddenly form throughout your
body, using up large numbers of platelets
hemolytic uremic syndrome
disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC)

another reason for decrease is- trapping of platelets in the spleen,

o Normally, your spleen works to fight infection and filter unwanted material
from your blood. An enlarged spleen which can be caused by a number of
disorders may harbor too many platelets, causing a decrease in the
number of platelets in circulation.
A combination of the above factors also may cause a low platelet count.
Exposure to toxic chemicalssuch as pesticides, arsenic, and benzenecan
slow the production of platelets

If you have a low platelet count, you may experience:

bruising that is red, purple, or brown (purpura)
a rash with small red or purple dots (petechiae)
nosebleeds
bleeding gums
bleeding from wounds that lasts a prolonged period of time or doesnt
stop on its own
heavy menstrual bleeding
bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stools
blood in urine
jaundice
In more serious cases, you may bleed internally. Symptoms of internal
bleeding include:
blood in your urine

blood in your stool

bleeding from your rectum
Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of internal
bleeding.
Rarely, this condition may lead to bleeding in your brain. If you have a low
platelet count and experience headaches or any neurological problems, tell
your doctor right away.
take measures to prevent your condition from worsening. This could include:
avoiding contact sports
avoiding activities with a high risk of bleeding or bruising
limiting alcohol consumption
Use caution with over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter
pain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) can
impair platelet function

Here are the top 10 ways to increase a low platelet count naturally.
1. Papaya
Both the papaya fruit and its leaves can help increase a low platelet count
within just a few days. In 2009, researchers at the Asian Institute of Science
and Technology in Malaysia found that papaya leaf juice can increase the
platelet count of people diagnosed with dengue fever.
Eat ripe papaya or drink a glass of papaya juice with a little lemon juice
2 or 3 times daily.
You can also pound a few papaya leaves without the stalk using a
pestle and mortar to extract the juice. Drink 2 tablespoons of this bitter juice
2 times a day.
2. Wheatgrass
According to a 2011 study published in International Journal of Universal
Pharmacy and Life Sciences, wheatgrass can be beneficial in increasing
platelet count.

In fact, it can produce significant increases in hemoglobin, red blood cell,

total white blood cell and differential white blood cell counts. This happens
because wheatgrass is high in chlorophyll with a molecular structure almost
identical to the hemoglobin molecule in human blood.
Simply drink cup of wheatgrass juice mixed with a little lemon juice daily.
3. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is another helpful food to improve your low platelet count. It is rich
in vitamin A that helps support proper platelet development. It also regulates
the proteins produced in the cells, which is important to raise the platelet
level.
In glass of fresh pumpkin juice, add 1 teaspoon of honey and drink it
2 or 3 times a day.
Also, include pumpkin in your diet by adding pumpkin puree to soups,
stews, smoothies and baked goods.
4. Spinach
Spinach is a good source of vitamin K which is often used to help treat low
platelet disorder. Vitamin K is required for proper blood clotting. Thus, it
reduces the risk of excessive bleeding.
Boil 4 or 5 leaves of fresh spinach in 2 cups of water for a few minutes.
Allow it to cool, and mix in 1/2 glass of tomato juice. Drink it 3 times a day.
Also, enjoy this green vegetable in salads, green smoothies, side
dishes or soups.
5. Vitamin C
To increase your platelet count, you need to increase your intake of vitamin
C, also known as ascorbic acid. A study published in 1990 in the Japanese
Journal of Hematology stated that vitamin C improves platelet count.
Being a powerful antioxidant, high doses of vitamin C also prevent freeradical mediated damage of the platelets. Your body requires 400 to 2,000
mg of vitamin C per day, depending on your age and overall health.
Eat foods high in vitamin C like lemons, oranges, tomatoes,
cantaloupes, kiwi, spinach, bell peppers and broccoli.
You may also take vitamin C in supplement form daily, but only after
consulting your doctor.
6. Indian Gooseberries
A popular Ayurvedic remedy to raise your platelet count is Indian
gooseberries, also known as amla. The vitamin C in amla can help increase
the production of platelets and boost your immune system.
Eat 3 to 4 gooseberries on an empty stomach every morning.
Alternatively, mix together 2 tablespoons each of amla juice and
honey. Drink it 2 or 3 times daily.
You can also eat homemade jam or pickles made with fresh Indian
gooseberries.
7. Sesame Oil
This cold-pressed oil is also beneficial in increasing your platelet count.
Sesame oil has properties that can raise platelet level naturally. It reduces

free radical damage, inflammation in the body and helps improve blood
circulation.
Drink 1 to 2 tablespoons of high-quality sesame oil twice a day.
You can also rub some sesame oil externally on lymph node areas
several times daily to help increaseplatelet counts.
In addition, use cold-pressed sesame oil for cooking.
8. Beetroot
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Eating beetroot is another popular dietary method of increasing the platelet
count. Being high innatural antioxidant and hemostatic properties, beetroot
can raise your platelet count within a few days.
Drink 1 tablespoon of fresh beetroot juice 3 times daily.
Another option is to mix 3 tablespoons of beetroot juice in a glass of
carrot juice and drink it 2 times daily.
9. Water
Blood cells are made of water and protein, hence it is highly recommended
to drink plenty of water throughout the day. When it comes to a low platelet
count, avoid drinking cold water as it can affect your digestive tract and the
body will not absorb nutrients properly.
Instead, drink filtered and purified water that is room temperature. This will
help your body producemore blood cells and eventually improve the platelet
count.
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Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of room temperature water daily.
10. Exercise

Regular exercise will boost blood circulation, improve your immune system
and lead to an increase in platelets.
According to the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program of British
Columbia, certain specific exercises can help increase different levels of low
platelet counts. Here are a few guidelines:
When platelets are 15,000 to 20,000, you can perform sitting or
standing exercises, gentle stretching and walking.
When platelets are 20,000 to 40,000, you may use some light
resistance like weights or elastic tubing or latex bands. You can also do brisk
walking.
When platelets are 40,000 to 60,000, you may perform activities like
stationary cycling and golfing.
When platelets are above 60,000, you may do aerobic exercise like
biking or jogging.
Note: Avoid all types of exercises when your platelet count is less than
15,000 as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
Additional Tips

Limit alcohol intake as it can hamper production of platelets in the

bone marrow.
Also, avoid tonic water as the quinine in it can contribute to decreased
blood platelet counts.
Avoid eating raw vegetables when your platelet count is low as it may
damage the intestinal lining. Instead, steam vegetables until soft and then
eat them.
Eat 1 to 2 red guavas daily to improve the platelet count.
Pomegranates help.
Vitamin A, B9 & K help.
Folate helps.
Cod liver oil & flax seed oil helps.
Should consume Lean proteins.
Foods that act as blood purifiers like aloe vera must also be included in
your diet.
Avoid all dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cheese and butter, for
a few days as these products can contribute to mucus formation and worsen
some autoimmune diseases.
For some, increasing milk intake helps
Avoid canned and processed foods that do not offer many nutrients.
Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night to help your body recharge
and produce more platelets.
Eat whole-grain cereals, brown rice and whole-wheat products. Avoid
white flour, white rice and processed foods.
Avoid activities that may cause injuries.
Ask your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications as some
medicines may affect your platelet function.
Milk has been shown to hamper platelet count in those with unknown
allergies to dairy, according to a January 2010 article in the "European
Journal of Hematology." Withhold all dairy including yogurt, cheese
andbutter, and then have the platelet count retested.

Dengue (DENG-gey) fever is a mosquito-borne disease that occurs in tropical

and subtropical areas of the world. Mild denguefever causes high fever, rash,
and muscle and joint pain.
Travelling to places with dengue/ mosquitoes increases the risk.
Diagnosing dengue fever can be difficult, because its signs and symptoms
can be easily confused with those of other diseases such as malaria,
leptospirosis and typhoid fever.
Your doctor will likely ask about your medical and travel history.

Platelet count decrease doesnt necessarily lead to dengue, but if it is

accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and joint
pains, then it usually indicates dengue.
The normal count of platelets is 1.5 lakh to 4.5 lakh per microlitre of blood. In
viral fever, it reduces up to 90,000 to one lakh. In dengue, this count goes
down to 20,000 or even lower, but reaches the normal once dengue is cured.

Signs and symptoms of dengue fever most commonly include:

Fever, as high as 106 F (41 C)
Headaches
Muscle, bone and joint pain
Pain behind your eyes
You might also experience:
Widespread rash
Nausea and vomiting
Rarely, minor bleeding from your gums or nose
Most people recover within a week or so. In some cases, symptoms worsen
and can become life-threatening.
And the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your bloodstream drops.
This can cause:
Bleeding from your nose and mouth
Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Bleeding under the skin, which might look like bruising
Problems with your lungs, liver and heart
Six dengue fever vaccines are in development, but not yet available.
No specific treatment for dengue fever exists. Your doctor may recommend
that you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration from vomiting and high
fever. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can alleviate pain and reduce fever.
Avoid pain relievers that can increase bleeding complications such as
aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve,
others).

Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened housing. It's particularly

important to keep mosquitoes out at night.
Reschedule outdoor activities. Avoid being outdoors at dawn, dusk
and early evening, when more mosquitoes are out.

Wear protective clothing. When you go into mosquito-infested

areas, wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and shoes.
Use mosquito repellent. Permethrin can be applied to your clothing,
shoes, camping gear and bed netting. You can also buy clothing made with
permethrin already in it. For your skin, use a repellent containing at least a
10 percent concentration of DEET.
Reduce mosquito habitat. The mosquitoes that carry the dengue
virus typically live in and around houses, breeding in standing water that can
collect in such things as used automobile tires. Reduce the breeding habitat
to lower mosquito populations.
Home / Ayurvedic remedies for dengue.
Giloy juice (Giloy is called as Tinospora cordifolia / Indian Tinospora /
Guduchi)
Aloera
the papaya fruit and leaf juice mix
juice made from pegaga leaves, also known as India pennywort or Centella
asiatica.
cow or goat colostrum (the first secretion from the animals mammary glands
before the milk comes out), can be drunk as often as desired.
turmeric, which can be added to the patients food or milk.