IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA

IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA

Overview and Facts

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura or ITP is a condition that can cause immoderate or easy bleeding and contusions. The bleeding results from an uncommonly low range of platelets, which are the cells that help out in forming a blood clot. 

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura can make purple contusions, including a small purple-reddish spot that appears as a rash. Children may develop ITP after they experience aggressive infections and commonly recover the entire time without medications. For adults, the disease is frequently prolonged.

If you don’t have any symptoms of low platelets and bleeding, treatment is not necessary. If you have serious symptoms, treatment is necessary to increase your platelet levels or a procedure to remove your spleen may be done. 

Immune thrombocytopenia commonly occurs when your immune defense incorrectly strikes and damages platelets, which are cells that aid in blood clot formation. 

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Most cases of ITP don’t have symptoms. When it happens, the symptoms may include the following:

  • Uncontrolled bruising
  • Bleeding of nose and gums
  • Reddish or purple spot on the skin
  • Blood in the stool or urine
  • Uncommon menstrual flow

The symptoms of ITP depend on the severity of the illness. Some may experience all of the signs and symptoms, while some may not. 

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose immune thrombocytopenia purpura, your health care provider may request a test to identify the exact cause of your symptoms. He/she may ask about your medical history and check you overall. 

One of the tests that is used to determine your platelet level is through a blood test. By this, your doctor may know what the problems are and what medication you need to treat it.

TREATMENT

Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter drugs or vitamins you can take to increase the levels of your platelet. He/she may ask you to stop any medications that can hinder the function of your platelet. Medications may include the following:

  • Steroids
  • Medications to increase platelet levels
  • Immune globulin

Individuals with ITP and have no symptoms may not need any treatment except regular platelet monitoring. Children may improve without any medications. But adults with this disease may need  to undergo treatment, as the disease frequently becomes serious. 

Treatments for ITP involve several methods, including drugs to increase platelet levels or surgery to remove your spleen. You may ask your doctor for other treatments to improve your condition.

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