Platelets are small cells present in the blood, which play an important role in stopping bleeding in the body. When there is an injury somewhere in the body, platelets gather at that place and form a blood clot and stop the bleeding. The normal number of platelets in a healthy person is 1.5 lakh to 4.5 lakh per microliter of blood. If this level starts falling below 1.5 lakh, then it is considered low, whereas reaching below 50 thousand can be dangerous. If platelets are less than 20 thousand, the risk of internal bleeding increases, which can also be fatal.
Other than this, platelets They also help in speeding up the healing process of the body and support the immune system. If their deficiency persists for a long time, even a minor injury can become a serious problem. Sometimes, even without any injury, internal bleeding can start in the body, which is not immediately recognized. This is why it is very important to maintain balanced levels of platelets. Especially people with weak immunity and the elderly should pay more attention to this. Let us know due to which diseases platelets get reduced and how it can be prevented.
Due to which diseases platelets decrease?
Professor Dr. Subhash Giri, Director, Department of Medicine, RML Hospital. It is said that deficiency of platelets in the body can be due to many diseases. The most common causes are viral infections, including dengue, chikungunya and malaria. In these diseases the body’s immune system affects the platelets. Apart from this, typhoid and viral fever can also reduce platelets.
Some serious conditions such as liver disease, especially cirrhosis and bone marrow problems also affect the formation of platelets. Platelets can also decrease rapidly during cancer and chemotherapy. Along with this, some autoimmune diseases, in which the body attacks its own cells, can also destroy platelets. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment of these diseases is very important.
What are the symptoms of platelet deficiency?
When platelets decrease in the body, many symptoms start appearing. The most common symptoms are easy bruising and bleeding that doesn’t stop quickly. Apart from this, small red or purple spots may appear on the skin, which are called petechiae.
Unexplained bleeding from gums or nose can also be a sign. Excessive bleeding during periods in women is also a symptom of platelet deficiency. In some cases, fatigue, weakness and dizziness may also be felt. If these symptoms are seen, it is important to contact a doctor immediately.
How to protect?
To avoid platelet deficiency, it is most important that you keep your immunity strong. Take care of cleanliness and protect yourself from mosquitoes, because many infections are caused by these. Take a balanced diet, which includes green vegetables, fruits and proteins, so that the body can get essential nutrients.
Drink enough water and keep the body hydrated. Do not ignore any kind of fever or weakness and get checked on time. Also, avoid taking medicines without doctor’s advice, because some medicines can also affect platelets.a