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Blood consists of various kinds of cells like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is essential to have an appropriate count of these cells in the blood to ensure the defined functionality of the most prominent body fluid, namely, blood. Platelets are the irregular-shaped cells that serve as important components for blood clotting. An adult individual usually has around 150,000 to 350,000 platelets in one milliliter of blood. Platelets are one of thirteen factors that facilitate the process of blood clotting, and as such a decrease in the platelet count reduces the pace of blood clotting. Scientifically referred to as thrombocytopenia, low platelet count is a severe state of health in which the rate of blood clotting process slows down abruptly, leading to loss of blood.

Causes of Low Platelet Count

The major causes of thrombocytopenia or low platelet count are as follows:

• Decrease in the production of platelets due to leukemia, anemia, or other infections.
• Destruction of platelets in the body on account of certain diseases like AIDS. Moreover, intake of certain drugs such as heparin may also lead to lower platelet count in the blood.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol may also lead to reduced platelet count in the body.
• Intake of certain antibiotics may also destroy the platelets in the blood.

Symptoms

The major symptoms of thrombocytopenia or low platelet count are mentioned as under:

• Patients of thrombocytopenia are highly susceptible to cuts and bruises, which results in immense blood loss.
• Individuals with lower platelet count also suffer from bleeding in gums.
• Appearance of tiny red spots on the skin, especially on the legs, is one of the most common symptoms of thrombocytopenia.
• Patients may also bleed while urinating or defecating.
• Increased menstrual flow is one of the prominent symptoms of thrombocytopenia in women.

Home Remedies

• You may follow several home remedies to increase platelet count, thereby curing thrombocytopenia. Some of these home remedies are as follows:
• Refrain from the consumption of certain drugs like aspirin.
• Do not consume alcohol. Also try to avoid smoking in order to restore the normal platelet function.
• Avoid contact sports, which make you susceptible to injuries.
• It is important to consult a doctor so as to permanently cure the condition. Certain medications that serve to block the antibodies that cause destruction of platelets in the blood can also be taken. In some cases, blood transfusion may be helpful. Surgery involving the removal of the spleen to relieve the symptoms of thrombocytopenia is also another method of treatment.