Decreasing platelets, a condition known medically as thrombocytopenia, can manifest through various signs primarily related to abnormal bleeding.
Understanding Thrombocytopenia
Platelets are small blood cells that help your blood clot. When the number of platelets decreases, your body's ability to stop bleeding is impaired, leading to a range of symptoms.
Key Symptoms of Decreasing Platelets
According to healthdirect.gov.au, the symptoms associated with thrombocytopenia include:
- Easy bruising: You might notice bruises appearing with little to no apparent injury.
- Abnormal bleeding: This can show up in several ways:
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding gums
- Heavy menstrual periods (heavy heavy periods)
- Blood in bodily fluids: This includes blood found in your poo or urine (wee).
- Petechiae: These are tiny, pinpoint spots of bleeding in the skin that often look like a purplish-red rash.
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts: Even small cuts may take a long time to stop bleeding.
Here is a summary of common symptoms:
| Symptom Category | Specific Examples |
|---|---|
| Bruising | Easy bruising |
| Internal/External Bleeding | Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods |
| Bodily Fluid Bleeding | Blood in stool (poo), blood in urine (wee) |
| Skin Manifestations | Petechiae (pinpoint purplish-red rash) |
| Wound Healing | Cuts that keep bleeding |
Experiencing these symptoms may indicate a lower-than-normal platelet count. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have thrombocytopenia.
For further information, you can refer to resources like Thrombocytopenia - symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment from healthdirect.gov.au.
