About this topic
Immune thrombocytopenia is a bleeding problem. It is also known as ITP. It is caused by having less than normal platelets in your body. Platelets are cells that help the blood clot to stop any bleeding. Having low platelets can cause you to bleed or bruise more easily. The bleeding may be severe or cause death. ‚
There are two types of ITP: ‚
- Acute ITP ¢ ˆ ’ This type lasts less than 6 months and is often seen in children. It most often happens after an infection caused by a virus.
- Chronic ITP ¢ ˆ ’ This may last for 6 months or longer and is seen more often in adults.
Care is not always needed for mild ITP. Patients who have a lot of bleeding may need drugs, surgery to remove the spleen, or a platelet transfusion. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet at all times.
- Protect yourself from injuries that may cause bleeding. Use gloves or safety gear when working with knives and other tools. Do not play contact sports, ski, or ride a horse.
- Limit how much beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) you drink.
- Use an electric razor when shaving to prevent cuts in the skin.
- Use a soft toothbrush to prevent gum irritation that may cause bleeding.
- Blow your nose gently.
- Wear hard soled shoes when outside to prevent cuts to the feet.
- Use gloves and wear long pants if you are in an area where you can get scratched.
- Join a support group to help you cope with your health problem.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may want to check your platelet count often.
- Tell your dentist or any other health care providers before having any procedures.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Raise your platelet count
- Help your body make more platelets
- Help make your bodys immune system stronger
Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), Coumadin, and any other blood thinners. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity or not play certain contact sports like football due to the risks of bleeding. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Very bad bleeding
- Infection
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Throwing up blood
- Blood in the stool
- Bad fall or head injury
- Passing out
- Bleeding from anywhere
- Large bruises
- Heavier than usual menstrual flow for women
- Headaches, confusion, or changes in vision
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you ways to protect myself from bleeding.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have blood in my stool or a bad fall or head injury.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/idiopathic-thrombocytopenic-purpura/symptoms.html ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/itp/ ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/258/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚