When your platelet count gets too low, it can cause dangerous internal bleeding. If a blood platelet count is reduced, the blood is more likely to hemorrhage which causes ruptured blood vessels, internal bleeding and excessive external bleeding. What does it mean to have low platelets? Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. For some, the … A count lower than 150,000 is considered thrombocytopenia and may affect your ability to donate platelets, among other things. There are certain common symptoms that may be warning signs of thrombocytopenia in the elderly. A healthy platelet count is 150,000 or higher. Since a low blood platelet count causes thinning blood vessels, bruising is more likely to occur. Decreased platelet counts can occur due to an unhealthy and enlarged spleen. People with low blood platelet counts should apply immediate pressure to even minor cuts to stop the bleeding. MayoClinic.com explains that the spleen is normally an important infection-fighting and blood filtering organ, but if it becomes enlarged it may trap too many platelets 2. Autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissue. It is typically an early sign of a low blood platelet count. While rare, in extreme cases, people suffering from a low blood platelet count can have internal bleeding without a preceding injury, according to the Mayo Clinic. The first-choice drug might be a corticosteroid. This is one of the most common symptoms of thrombocytopenia. It may not occur until a day or more after the incident. A bruise is the result of broken capillaries under the skin. London Health Sciences Center: Low Platelets, MayoClinic.com: Low White Blood Cell Count. Blood platelets line the inside of the blood vessels. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. According to Chemo Care, if platelet count becomes low, the blood vessels can leak small amounts of blood 1. The platelets are fragile & subject to clumping in the specimen& that drops the count. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, The Effects of Low White Blood Cells on Healing After Surgery. Repeating a level would be prudent on a random low count. It is also known as thrombocytopenia. Her articles have been featured in "Women's Health," "Nutrition News," "Check Up" and "Alive Magazine." This condition can range from mild to severe, depending on its underlying cause. According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy count ranges between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets for every microliter of circulating … If an elderly person begins to notice excessive bruising, he or a loved one should contact a health care provider. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Low platelet count is also known as thrombocytopenia. A common sign of internal bleeding is the presence of blood in the urine. If the disease targets bone, it can also damage the bone marrow and hinder the production of blood cells. If your platelet level becomes too low, your doctor can replace lost blood with transfusions of packed red blood cells or platelets. As platelets live for only 10 days, the body is not able to produce enough to keep the platelet count high enough. Kassem also covers travel, books, fitness, nutrition, cooking and green living. MDS is a group of disorders of the bone marrow. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Thrombocytopenia, the medical term for a low blood platelet count, occurs when blood platelets die faster than they’re reproduced. Platelets are also produced in the bone marrow, and MayoClinic.com notes that the production of these cells is also suppressed by infection, leading to low platelet counts 234. Is there a history of easy bruising or bleeding? Maria Price worked as an editor for a medical publishing company for several years. They should also take extreme care when brushing and flossing teeth, as their gums will be more likely to bleed. Autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissue. The provider can run tests to measure platelet count. Symptoms of Low Platelet Count. Causes of low platelets and white blood cells include illness, disease, medication side effects and complications of cancer treatments. However, in the elderly it is most often as a result from arthritis, a malfunctioning immune system or chemotherapy. Internal bleeding is a serious symptom from thrombocytopenia. She now does freelance editing and writing for various companies both in and out of the medical field. A low white blood cell count and low blood platelet count can mean a patient has myelodysplastic syndrome, according to the MDS Foundation and Mayo Clinic. Medications. This due to edta in the blood tube ... Read More When the bone marrow is affected, production of both white blood cells and platelets can be hindered, leading to decreased levels in the body. Extremely low levels can be life-threatening [ 6 ]. What would it mean if my mpv is low and my platelets and leukocytes are high? If this occurs, contact a health care provider immediately. The dots resemble a common rash. Blood or platelet transfusions. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. A bruise is the result of broken capillaries under the skin. Elderly people who notice petechiae or other symptoms of thrombocytopenia should contact their health care provider and avoid certain over-the-counter medications that interfere with blood clotting such as aspirin or ibuprofen. People with low blood platelet counts should apply immediate pressure to even minor cuts to stop the bleeding. Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor and a medical writer. There are several causes of low platelets, so this should be followed closely. What does a low platelet count mean on blood test, Slightly low white blood cell count what does it mean, What does a high platelet count mean in blood. To learn more, please visit our. Platelets and white blood cells are two of the main blood cell types in the body. Abnormal levels of these cells can be a sign of illness, disease or complications. MayoClinic.com explains that the spleen is normally an important infection-fighting and blood filtering organ, but if it becomes enlarged it may trap too many platelets 234. Price has a Master of Science degree from Drexel University in publications management. Abnormal levels of these cells can be a sign of illness, disease or complications.