10 Causes of Thrombocytopenia

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Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low blood platelet count. Platelets are one of three types of blood cells together with red blood cells and white blood cells. Platelets stop the bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in the blood vessels where an injury occurs.

In cases of thrombocytopenia the blood loses its ability to coagulate normally, which puts the body at risk of bleeding abnormally. It can be mild, leading to few, if any, signs and symptoms, or the lack of platelets can be so severe that internal bleeding occurs. Treatment options are varied, depending greatly on blood platelet levels and the underlying cause that has led to the development of thrombocytopenia in the first place. Continue reading and learn about the 10 most common causes of thrombocytopenia.

Cause #1: Enlarged Spleen

A normal spleen filters out and eliminates abnormal blood cells. An enlarged spleen can lead to thrombocytopenia because it starts to filter normal red cells in addition to abnormal blood red cells.

This leads to a reduction in the number of healthy blood cells and may also prevent a lot of platelets from passing through the bloodstream, which can lead to a clogging. Due to this abnormal function, complications may lead to serious damages to the spleen.