Platelet count refers to the number of platelets in a person’s blood. High platelet levels (thrombocytosis) may indicate an underlying health issue. Platelet counts are routinely measured in complete blood count (CBC) tests and are used to assess a person’s overall health and diagnose various medical conditions.
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Normal Platelet Count
Platelets are tiny blood cells crucial in blood clotting and wound healing. 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter (µL) of blood is the normal range for platelet count. This count is vital as low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia) can lead to increased bleeding and difficulty in clotting.
Causes Of High Or Low Platelets
There are many reasons why platelets may exceed or fall below their normal value:
Low platelets
A low platelet count, also known as thrombocytopenia, can occur for several reasons, including:
- Bone marrow disorders, such as leukemia or aplastic anemia
- Autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Medication side effects, chemotherapy, or certain antibiotics
- Infections, HIV, or hepatitis C
High platelets
A high platelet count, also known as thrombocytosis, may have a lot of reasons including:
- Chronic inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease
- Certain medications, in essence, steroids or estrogen
- Myeloproliferative disorders, such as polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia
- Cancer, like leukemia or lymphoma
If you have a low or high platelet count, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause. Treatment for a low platelet count may include medication, blood transfusions, or surgery. Treatment for a high platelet count may vary from person to person and can be done by medicines or surgery.
Symptoms of Low Platelet Count
A low platelet count, also known as thrombocytopenia, occurs when the number of platelets in the blood is lower than usual. Platelets are essential for blood clotting; a decrease in their count can lead to prolonged bleeding and other complications.
Recognizing the early signs of low platelet count is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention. An Internal Medicine Specialist in Lahore may be able to help you provide an effective solution.
1. Easy Bruising:
One of the primary early signs of low platelet count is easy bruising. Sufficient platelets are crucial in forming blood clots that help stop bleeding after an injury. When the platelet count is low, the blood’s ability to clot is impaired, leading to easy bruising even with minor bumps or injuries.
When you get a bruise, the damaged blood vessels leak blood into the surrounding tissue. Platelets rush to the site to form a clot, preventing further bleeding. Bruises caused by low platelet count might be bigger, darker, and take longer to heal compared to those experienced by individuals with normal platelet levels.
2. Excessive Bleeding:
A low platelet count can result in excessive or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, wounds, or abrasions. Platelets quickly gather at the site of injury to form a clot, which helps stop bleeding. In individuals with thrombocytopenia, the clotting process is impaired and leads to persistent bleeding.
If you notice that a small cut takes a long time to stop bleeding or that you experience bleeding from your gums after brushing your teeth, it could be a sign of low platelet count.
3. Fatigue and Weakness:
Thrombocytopenia can cause anemia in some cases. Anemia is a disorder in which the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to the tissues.
Underlying anemia due to conditions like aplastic anemia or vitamin deficiency can contribute to feelings of fatigue and weakness. Reduced platelet levels may lead to bleeding within the body, causing anemia over time. The lack of oxygen to tissues can result in general fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
4. Heavy Menstrual Periods:
Low platelet count can affect menstruating individuals, leading to heavy menstrual bleeding, a condition known as menorrhagia. Platelets are involved in the blood clotting process during menstruation to control bleeding.
When the platelet count is low, menstrual blood flow can become heavier and more prolonged than usual. If you experience excessive bleeding during periods or need to change sanitary pads or tampons more frequently, you should discuss these symptoms with a healthcare professional.
Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to anemia and may be related to an underlying medical condition that requires attention.
How To Increase Platelet Count
Increasing platelet count is essential for individuals experiencing thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) or those looking to maintain healthy platelet levels.
While home remedies can help support platelet production and health, consulting a healthcare professional for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan is crucial.
Home remedies are not a substitute for medical advice and treatment. Here are eight home remedies that may potentially help increase platelet count:
1. Papaya leaves extract
Papaya leaf extract may help increase platelet count due to its active enzymes, such as papain and chymopapain. These enzymes may stimulate the bone marrow to produce more platelets and aid in improving platelet levels.
While there is some evidence supporting its use, scientific studies are limited, and it should not be used as a sole treatment. If considering papaya leaf extract, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for guidance and to ensure that you are using it in the correct manner.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has been traditionally used to increase platelet count. It contains biologically active compounds, including polysaccharides, which stimulate the production of platelets and enhance their function. Additionally, Aloe Vera possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which might contribute to improved platelet health.
To use Aloe Vera for this purpose, one can consume fresh Aloe Vera gel (avoiding yellow latex) mixed with water or juice. Follow recommended dosages and consult a healthcare professional before using Aloe Vera or other herbal remedies to increase platelet count.
While Aloe Vera may have potential benefits, it should not replace medical treatment, and individuals with low platelet count or any underlying health condition should seek professional medical advice for appropriate evaluation and management.
3. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass has been considered an effective natural remedy for elevated platelet count. It is rich in chlorophyll, antioxidants, vitamins (such as vitamins C and E), minerals, and other nutrients that can support overall health, including the functioning of the blood and immune system.
Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, which can be beneficial in promoting healthy platelet function. The presence of vitamins and minerals aids in maintaining a healthy immune system and may indirectly contribute to platelet health. Wheatgrass is commonly consumed as freshly juiced wheatgrass shots or in powdered form mixed with water or smoothies to boost platelets.
4. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, have been suggested as a natural remedy to increase platelet count. These seeds pack essential nutrients such as zinc, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are advantageous for overall health, including blood and immune system function.
Zinc plays an essential role in supporting healthy platelet production, while vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, helping protect platelets from damage. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to improved platelet health and function.
Incorporate them into your diet by snacking on raw or roasted seeds. You can also add them to salads, smoothies, or oatmeal. However, while pumpkin seeds are nutritious, it’s essential to remember that you should not use them as the only treatment for low platelet count or any other medical condition. If you have concerns about your platelet count, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation and guidance.
5. Vitamin C-rich Foods
Vitamin C-rich foods are an essential part of a healthy diet and can offer numerous health benefits, including supporting the immune system and aiding in collagen production. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in enhancing platelet function. Platelets are involved in blood clotting, and vitamin C helps maintain proper functioning and stability.
It also promotes the absorption of iron, which is vital for red blood cell production and overall blood health. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits (such as oranges, grapefruit, and lemons), strawberries, kiwis, guavas, bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes, among others. Vitamin C-rich foods in your daily diet can help support platelet health and overall well-being. Patients with dengue may opt for these foods for faster recovery.
6. Sesame oil
Sesame oil, derived from sesame seeds, is a flavorful and nutritious oil commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine. While it is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, limited scientific evidence specifically supports its direct impact on platelet count. Sesame oil’s nutritional content suggests potential benefits for overall health, including indirect effects on platelet health.
The oil contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects platelets from oxidative damage, and polyunsaturated fats, essential for maintaining healthy cell membranes. While consuming sesame oil in your diet can be part of a balanced and nutritious approach to support overall health, it is crucial to remember that low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) requires proper medical evaluation and treatment.
Sesame oil should not be considered the sole remedy for any medical condition. Discuss any concerns about platelet count with a healthcare professional for appropriate guidance and management.
Conclusion
Various natural remedies and dietary choices can help you improve your platelet count. Home remedies such as papaya leaf extract, aloe Vera, wheatgrass, pumpkin seeds, and vitamin C-rich foods may potentially aid platelet production and function.
However, it is important to emphasize that these remedies should not replace medical treatment or professional advice. If you suspect a low platelet count or have health concerns, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Timely medical intervention, alongside a healthy lifestyle and appropriate remedies, can optimize platelet levels and overall well-being.
