* What is platelet?
Platelet is the
smallest of the three types of blood cells in our body. Cells are produced in the bone marrow. Along with red
blood cells and white blood cells, they are one of the components of blood.
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes. The main function of platelets is to
help blood clot. It plays an important role in stopping the bleeding quickly in
case of a cut anywhere in the body.
Platelets are among the first responders at the site of injury when there is a cut or injury anywhere in the body. They adhere to damaged blood vessel walls and release chemical signals to attract more platelets to the wound area. They then combine to form a plug that helps stop the bleeding. This process is essential to prevent excessive bleeding during injury.
Today, we are going to know What are platelets? What is the problem if platelets decrease? How to increase it etc.
* What are the functions of platelets?
Platelets perform
several essential functions in the human body. Primarily concerned with blood
clotting and wound healing. In summary, the main functions of platelets are:
Hemostasis: Platelets
are crucial for hemostasis. Bleeding stops when blood vessels are damaged in
this process. They combine at the site of injury to form a plug that helps seal
the wound.
Blood clot formation:
Platelets release substances that help form a stable blood clot. They work
together with proteins in the blood, such as fibrin, to form a mesh-like
structure that traps red blood cells and forms a clot.
Vasoconstriction:
Platelets are vasoconstrictors, releasing substances that narrow blood vessels.
This contraction helps reduce blood flow to the injured area, also helps in
clot formation and reduces bleeding.
Inflammation:
Platelets are inflammatory mediators at the site of injury. These substances
attract white blood cells to the area and promote an inflammatory response,
which is essential for the healing process.
Tissue repair:
Platelets secrete platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth
factor-beta (TGF-β), which stimulate cell proliferation and tissue repair and
play an important role in healing damaged tissue.
Immune Response:
Platelets also participate in immunity by interacting with white blood cells to
fight infection and inflammation.
Angiogenesis:
Platelets release factors that stimulate the formation of new blood vessels
(angiogenesis) in injured tissue, ensuring adequate blood supply for healing.
Homeostasis:
Platelets help maintain the balance of coagulation and coagulation in the blood,
ensuring that blood clots needed to stop bleeding but do not form
inappropriately within intact blood vessels.
Overall, platelets play a central role in maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system, preventing excessive bleeding, and facilitating the healing of damaged tissues. Platelet function disorders or platelet count abnormalities can lead to bleeding disorders or clotting disorders, which can have serious health implications.
How many healthy people have platelets?
A healthy person normally has 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter (μL) of blood. This calculation may vary slightly depending on the reference standards used by the laboratory and experts, but it generally falls within this range.
* What are the causes of decreased platelets?
The human body has a
certain level of platelets as discussed above. It can increase or decrease at
any time. If it falls below the normal level, it is called thrombocytopenia in
medical terms.
Causes of low
platelet count or thrombocytopenia include:
First, platelet
destruction
Second, insufficient
production of platelets.
Significant causes of
decreased platelet destruction are:
1. Bone marrow
disorders: These conditions can inhibit the production of platelets. Examples
include aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and leukemia.
2. Autoimmune
disorders: Conditions such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause the immune system to mistakenly
destroy platelets.
3. Viral infections:
Some viruses, such as HIV, hepatitis C, and the Epstein-Barr virus, can lower
platelet counts.
4. Medications: Some
medications, such as chemotherapy, antibiotics, and anticonvulsants, can cause
thrombocytopenia as a side effect.
5. Alcohol abuse:
Excessive alcohol consumption can damage bone marrow and reduce platelet
production.
6. Nutritional
deficiencies: Deficiencies in certain nutrients such as vitamin B12 and folate
can affect platelet production.
7. Cancer: In
addition to leukemia, other types of cancer can invade the bone marrow and
reduce platelet production.
8. Hypersplenism: An
enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) can prematurely trap and remove platelets from
the circulation, resulting in decreased platelet counts.
9. Inherited
conditions: Some rare genetic disorders, such as Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, can
lead to low platelet counts.
10. Chemical
exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides and benzene, can
affect bone marrow function and decrease platelet production.
11. Pregnancy: Some
complications of pregnancy can also cause decreased platelets.
It is important to note that the severity of thrombocytopenia can vary widely but a mild decrease in platelet count may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, severe thrombocytopenia may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising, and such cases may require medical evaluation and treatment.
* What problems can occur if platelets decrease?
Low platelets or
thrombocytopenia is not a medical emergency, it is a common occurrence. Do not
panic and consult a doctor. That is, the patient will suddenly die of
hemorrhage as soon as the platelets are depleted—this is not the case. But if
the platelet level drops too low, such as below 10,000, then internal bleeding
means there is a fear of bleeding inside the body in the brain, kidneys, heart.
Common problems that
occur are:
1. Increased risk of
bleeding: The most significant concern with low platelet counts is an increased
risk of bleeding. This can be expressed as:
Petechiae: Small red
or purple spots on the skin, often seen on the legs.
Ecchymosis: Large
bruise.
Nosebleeds:
Spontaneous or prolonged nosebleeds.
Bleeding gums:
Bleeding gums, especially when brushing teeth.
Heavy Menstrual
Bleeding: In women, periods may be unusually heavy.
2. Prolonged
Bleeding: Bruises and cuts may take longer to stop bleeding and minor injuries
may cause excessive bleeding.
3. Internal bleeding:
Thrombocytopenia can cause internal bleeding, which may not be immediately
apparent. It can occur in organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, brain or
joints and can be life-threatening.
4. Increased risk
during surgery: Surgical procedures may pose a higher risk to people with low
platelet counts, as they may have difficulty clotting to stop bleeding during
and after surgery.
5. Spontaneous
Bleeding: In severe cases, spontaneous bleeding may occur without obvious
injury or trauma.
6. Intracranial
Hemorrhage: A serious complication of thrombocytopenia is bleeding into the
brain, which can lead to neurological symptoms and be life-threatening.
7. GI Bleeding: Gastrointestinal bleeding, which may present as black, tarry stools (melena) or bloody vomit (hematemesis).
8. Heavy menstrual
bleeding: Women with low platelet counts may experience exceptionally heavy
menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).
9. Blood in the
urine: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can be caused by bleeding from the
urinary tract.
10. Excessive bruising: Easy and excessive bruising is common in people with low platelet counts.
If you suspect you have a low platelet count or are experiencing symptoms such as unexplained bruising, bleeding gums, or petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin), immediate medical attention is essential for diagnosis and appropriate management. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the low platelet count.
What to eat to increase platelets?
Along with a doctor's
prescription, certain fruits and vegetables can help increase platelets faster.
However, there is no specific food or diet list that is scientifically proven
to increase platelets. But many people think that eating some special foods can
increase platelets. Let's know about those foods:
Broccoli: Broccoli is
a great source of the vitamin, which helps increase platelets in the blood. If
platelets are rapidly decreasing, then broccoli must be added to the daily
diet. It contains antioxidants and beneficial minerals.
Currants: Currants
contain various essential nutrients and minerals, which are very effective in
providing energy to the body. Currants are very useful in reducing body
weakness. Apart from this, it is beneficial for the blood as it is a source of
iron. It is very beneficial to keep platelet count normal and cure dengue.
Spinach: Spinach is
one of the best sources of iron and omega-3 fatty acids. It increases the
immunity of the body. Apart from this, the number of platelets in the body
increases.
Dab: Dab water
contains minerals or electrolytes, which are very useful in dengue fever.
Source: NDTV.
Also orange, lemon juice, almond, water and liquid foods also help to increase platelet count and prevent dengue. In particular, any nutrient-rich liquid food should be eaten more.
* Symptoms of decreased platelet count
How to understand
that platelets in your body or blood cells have decreased -
- Fine bleeding can
occur from any part of the body which appears in the form of pinpoints.
- Appearance of
purple marks on the skin. Because there is bleeding under the skin.
-Excessive bleeding
during periods.
- Bleeding from the
gums or nose.
- Bleeding with urine
or stool.
- Bleeding for a long time if cut anywhere in the body.
What happens if platelets increase?
Many diseases
increase platelets in the blood. Blood clots can then form in the veins or
arteries. As a result of which there is a possibility of stroke, heart attack.
Blood clots can cause serious complications. This is seriously bad. If the
platelet count is more than 900,000, talk to a hematologist and get treatment.
However, accidents due to increased platelets are very rare.
Take care yourself. Keep good health.