What is Low Platelet Count? Ways to Boost Low Platelet Count

Platelet counts refer to the number of platelets in a person's blood sample. Platelets are small, colourless blood cells that help form clots to stop bleeding. A platelet count test measures the number of platelets in a person's blood and is used to evaluate the ability of the blood to clot normally. Low platelet counts, also called thrombocytopenia, can cause excessive bleeding, while high platelet counts, known as thrombocytosis, can cause blood clots. Regular platelet count tests are often recommended for people with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medications.

What are Platelets?

Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are small, colourless blood cells that play a crucial role in blood clotting. They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood vessels until they are needed to stop bleeding. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets rush to the site of injury and stick together, forming a plug to stop the bleeding. They also release chemicals that help other blood components to clot and promote healing.

What are the Platelets Count?

Platelet count refers to the number of platelets in a person's blood sample. Platelets are small, colourless blood cells that help in the clotting process to stop bleeding. The normal range for platelet counts is typically between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter (mcL) of blood. A platelet count outside of this range may indicate a medical condition that requires further evaluation and treatment.

What are the Functions of Platelets?

Platelets, also called thrombocytes, play a vital role in hemostasis and blood clotting. When the vascular endothelium gets damaged, platelets are activated and adhere to the exposed subendothelial components. This initiates a complex signaling pathway that stimulates the release of platelet granules containing bioactive substances including ADP, serotonin, and thromboxane A2, which further activate and recruit platelets to the site of injury.

The recruited platelets form a hemostatic plug by aggregating at the site through fibrinogen bridges between their surface integrin receptors GPIIb/IIIa. Platelet aggregation and adhesion prevents blood loss and enables the formation of a blood clot with the help of coagulation factors.

Thus, proper platelet function is crucial in stopping bleeding after vascular injury. However, increased or uncontrolled platelet activity can lead to unwanted clotting and thrombosis, prompting the need for antiplatelet drugs. Assessing platelet function is necessary in conditions affecting hemostasis.

Why the Platelets Count is Significant?

The platelet count is significant because platelets play an essential role in blood clotting, which helps to stop bleeding and promote healing after an injury. Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can cause easy bruising, bleeding gums, and in severe cases, spontaneous bleeding. High platelet count (thrombocytosis) can increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to serious conditions such as stroke or heart attack. Therefore, monitoring platelet count is important for the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions.

What is the Count of Normal Platelets in Our Body?

The normal platelet count in a healthy adult is typically between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. However, the exact range may vary slightly depending on the laboratory conducting the test.

Symptoms of Low Platelet Count in Our Body

Some of the symptoms of low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) in our body are:

1. Excessive bruising and bleeding
2. Petechiae (small, pinpoint-sized red or purple spots on the skin)
3. Blood in the urine or stools
4. Prolonged bleeding from cuts or wounds
5. Heavy menstrual bleeding in women
6. Fatigue and weakness
7. Enlarged spleen
8. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

It is important to note that some people with a low platelet count may not experience any symptoms, and the condition may only be detected through a routine blood test.

What are the Conditions When the Platelets Count is Lowered in our Body?

Several conditions can cause a low platelet count, including:

1. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets.
2. Viral infections: Some viral infections such as dengue fever, Ebola, or HIV can cause a decrease in platelet count.
3. Medications: Certain medications like chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, or diuretics can cause a decrease in platelet count.
4. Bone marrow disorders: Diseases like leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome can affect the production of platelets in the bone marrow.
5. Liver disease: Liver diseases like cirrhosis can affect the production of platelets.
6. Pregnancy: Some pregnant women may develop a condition called gestational thrombocytopenia which causes a decrease in platelet count.

It is important to diagnose the underlying cause of low platelet count and treat it accordingly to prevent any serious complications.

Platelets Count and Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that can affect the respiratory system and cause inflammation of the lungs. In some cases, it can also affect the platelet count in the body. Pneumonia can cause a decrease in platelet count, which is known as thrombocytopenia. This is because the infection can lead to the destruction of platelets or affect their production. Thrombocytopenia can result in an increased risk of bleeding and bruising. Therefore, patients with pneumonia should have their platelet count monitored to ensure that it remains within a normal range.

The way the Platelets Count Decreases in Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is known to cause a decrease in platelet count, a condition known as thrombocytopenia. The virus affects the bone marrow and the production of platelets, as well as destroying platelets in the bloodstream. This can lead to bleeding and potentially life-threatening complications. It is important to monitor platelet counts in patients with dengue fever, and in severe cases, platelet transfusions may be necessary to prevent complications.

Platelets Count in COVID-19

There is emerging evidence that COVID-19 can cause a decrease in platelet count, particularly in severe cases. This condition is called thrombocytopenia. However, it is important to note that not all COVID-19 patients experience a decrease in platelet count, and the severity and duration of thrombocytopenia can vary. It is also worth noting that thrombocytopenia can be caused by other factors such as medications or underlying health conditions, and a low platelet count is not specific to COVID-19. Therefore, platelet counts are just one of the many factors that doctors consider when diagnosing and treating COVID-19 patients.

What is Low Platelet Count?

Low platelet count, also known as thrombocytopenia, is a condition where the blood has a lower-than-normal number of platelets. This can lead to increased bleeding and bruising, and in severe cases, can cause internal bleeding. Normal platelet counts range from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood, while a platelet count below 150,000 is considered low. The severity of thrombocytopenia can vary widely, depending on the underlying cause of the condition.

How to Increase the Platelet Count?

There are several ways to increase platelet count naturally, including:

1. Eating a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate.
2. Consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as berries, dark chocolate, and leafy greens.
3. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids.
4. Getting regular exercise to improve blood circulation.
5. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco products, which can reduce platelet count.
6. Reducing stress levels through relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
7. Getting sufficient rest and sleep allows the body to recover and produce new platelets.

It is important to note that if you have a low platelet count, you should consult with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.

How Papaya Leaf Juice Can Boost Platelet Count in Our Body?

Papaya leaf juice is believed to have potential benefits in increasing platelet count in the body. It is believed to contain enzymes and phytochemicals that can help stimulate the bone marrow to produce more platelets.

To make papaya leaf juice, fresh papaya leaves can be washed, chopped and ground into a fine paste. The paste can be mixed with water and strained to obtain the juice. It is recommended to consume 30ml of papaya leaf juice, 2-3 times a day.

It is important to note that while papaya leaf juice may have potential benefits, it should not be considered a substitute for medical treatment. Any underlying medical condition that may be causing a low platelet count should be properly diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional.

What Foods and Vegetables help to Increase the Platelet Count?

Several foods and vegetables can help increase platelet count naturally. Some of these include:

1. Leafy greens: Kale, spinach, and other leafy greens are rich in Vitamin K, which can help increase platelet production.
2. Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a good source of Vitamin A, which helps in the production of platelets.
3. Kiwi: Kiwi is rich in Vitamin C, which can help increase platelet count.
4. Beetroot: Beetroot is high in iron and folic acid, which helps to increase red blood cells and platelets.
5. Pomegranate: Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants and can help boost platelet count.
6. Papaya Leaf Extract: Papaya leaf extract has been shown in studies to help increase platelet count, which is vital for those suffering from dengue fever or facing low platelet counts after chemotherapy.
   
7. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are high in lycopene, which can help increase platelet count.
8. Lentils: Lentils are rich in iron, which is essential for the production of platelets.
9. Garlic: Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that can help increase platelet count.

It is important to note that these foods and vegetables should be consumed as part of a balanced and healthy diet, and medical advice should be sought if there are concerns about platelet count or other health issues.

Ways to Boost Low Platelet Count

Here are some tips to improve platelet counts in the body:

1. Include iron-rich foods in your diet like leafy greens, red meat, and beans.
2. Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking as they can decrease platelet counts.
3. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
4. Consume vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, berries, and tomatoes.
5. Get enough rest and avoid excessive physical activity.
6. Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
7. Avoid medications that can lower platelet counts unless prescribed by a doctor.
8. Ensure good oral hygiene to prevent infections that can affect platelet counts.
9. Avoid contact sports or activities that can cause injury and increase the risk of bleeding.
10. If you have a medical condition that can affect platelet counts, follow your doctor's instructions for managing it.

Importance of Platelet Count Test

The platelet count test is important for several reasons:

1. Diagnosis: The test can help diagnose certain conditions, such as thrombocytopenia, that can cause abnormal bleeding or bruising.
2. Monitoring: The test can be used to monitor the progress of treatment for conditions that affect platelet counts, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
3. Surgical procedures: The platelet count test is often performed before a surgical procedure to ensure that the patient's blood can clot properly and prevent excessive bleeding during or after the surgery.
4. Medication: Certain medications can affect platelet count, and the test can be used to monitor platelet levels in patients taking these medications.

Overall, the platelet count test is an important tool in the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions and can help healthcare providers ensure optimal patient care.

When to Get Platelet Count Test Done?

A platelet count test may be ordered by a healthcare provider if they suspect that a person may have a bleeding disorder, a clotting disorder, or a condition that affects the production or destruction of platelets. It may also be ordered as a routine part of a complete blood count (CBC) during a general health checkup. Additionally, a platelet count test may be ordered if a person has certain symptoms such as easy bruising or unexplained bleeding, or if they are being treated for a condition that can affect platelet counts, such as cancer or chemotherapy. The specific reasons for getting a platelet count test can vary depending on a person's individual medical history and current health status, so it's important to discuss the need for this test with a healthcare provider.

Platelet Count Test at healthcare nt sickcare

healthcare nt sickcare offers Platelet Count Tests as a part of its clinical laboratory testing and reporting services. The test is performed using state-of-the-art technology and equipment by trained and experienced laboratory technicians. The results are accurate and reliable, providing valuable information to physicians for diagnosis and treatment. Patients can book the platelet count test online through the healthcare nt sickcare e-commerce website and can also access their test reports online.

Disclaimer

All material copyright healthcare nt sickcare. Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy of use apply. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Our content is inspired by various online articles and our own offline experiences. It is meant to provide public awareness and regular updates to the clientele of healthcare nt sickcare.

© healthcare nt sickcare and healthcarentsickcare.com, 2017-Present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to healthcare nt sickcare and healthcarentsickcare.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.