Definition
What is immune thrombocytopenic purpura?
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a blood disorder caused by the immune system destroys platelets.
Normally, in 1µl blood contain 140.000 to 440.000 pallets. If the level of platelets lower than 50.000 platelets/µl, symptoms of ITP will appear.
How common is immune thrombocytopenic purpura?
Anyone can develop ITP, but is most common in children aged 2-5 years old and 20-50 year old adults. Women have a higher risk than men. You can minimized the chance of having hernias by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for further information.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of immune thrombocytopenic purpura?
Common ITP symptoms may include bleeding and skin rash that looks like pinpoint red spots (petechial rash). Other symptoms include bleeding gums, bloody stools, prolonged menstruation, nosebleeds.
There may be some signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.
When should I see my doctor?
You need to visit your doctor or emergency treatment if you are severe bleeding or less bleeding but could not stop in 5 minutes. Everyone’s body acts differently. It is always best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.
Know the causes
What causes immune thrombocytopenic purpura?
The exact cause of ITP isn’t known. However, that in people with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, the immune system malfunctions and begins attacking platelets as if they were foreign substances. Antibodies produced by your immune system attach themselves to the platelets, marking the platelets for destruction. The spleen, which helps your body fight infection, recognizes the antibodies and removes the platelets from your system.
In children, infected with viruses (such as mumps or influenza) usually causes ITP and often disappear by itself.
In adult, ITP can occur after a viral infection, especially those who are with HIV. The use of some medications during pregnancy may also be a cause of ITP. ITP in adults may become chronic conditions.
Know the risk factors
What increases my risk for immune thrombocytopenic purpura?
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing Mitral stenosis:
- Your sex. Women are about twice as likely to develop ITP as men are.
- Recent viral infection. Many children with ITP develop the disorder after a viral illness, such as mumps, measles or a respiratory infection
Understand the diagnosis & treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.
How is immune thrombocytopenic purpura diagnosed?
The doctor will perform diagnostics through medical and physical examination. Blood test to measure platelet and to see if a certain disease is the cause of the disease. Hematological specialist may takes a canbone marrow sample near the hips to check for the cells under a microscope. Your doctor may perform tomography (CT) to examine the spleen and other organs.
How is immune thrombocytopenic purpura treated?
Treatment for ITP depends on the severity of the symptoms. Children often do not require treatment. In adults, common drugs used were steroids. If steroids are not effective, other drugs such as immunoglobulin can be administered intravenously. If these measures are not effective spleen may need to be removed. Some adults can recover on their own without treatment or replace the mitral valve.
Lifestyle changes & home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage immune thrombocytopenic purpura?
The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with immune thrombocytopenic purpura:
- Re-examine punctually to keep track on the disease’s progress and your health condition.
- Follow doctor’s instruction
- Limit alcohol drinks
- Avoid drugs reduce platelet function such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB).
- Select gentle physical activity. Your doctor may recommend avoiding sports or other competitive activities that could increase the risk of injury and bleeding.
- Monitor for signs of infection. If you have surgery to remove the spleen, please pay attention to any signs of infection (such as fever).
If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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