Platelets are the smallest of three major blood cell type, which also includes red and white blood cells. Produced in the bone marrow, tiny, irregularly-shaped platelets circulate in the bloodstream and help blood clot when wounded and prevent excessive bleeding. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center says a normal platelet count should be about 150,000-350,000 per micro liter of blood. Low or high platelet counts signify health problems that range from vitamin deficiencies to severe medical conditions.
How Platelets Work?
Without blood platelets, humans would bleed out and die. Healthy blood platelets begin working as soon as air hits the wounded area. The tiny pieces of platelets gather around the opening, serving as a natural barrier that staves off blood flow. Platelets need calcium, vitamin K and fibrinogen, a protein manufactured by the liver, to form clots. According to the Franklin Institute, fibrinogen forms, fibrin. They look like threads in the form a web-like mesh used to catch blood cells. The mesh hardens and forms a scab or bruise over the wound.
Conditions Associated with Low Platelets
Thrombocytopenia is a general term used to describe any condition associated with a low platelet count. They lead to abnormal bleeding. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia says the major cause of thrombocytopenia included low platelet production in the blood marrow, increased platelet breakdown in the bloodstream and increased platelet breakdown in the spleen or liver.
Thrombocytopenia is associated with conditions like folate or vitamin b12 deficiencies, bone marrow infections, bone marrow cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, and aplastic anemia. Low platelet count may also occur from certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy. Symptoms of low blood count include bruising, nosebleeds, gum and mouth bleeding, and red rashes.
Conditions Related to Excessive Platelet Production
Thrombocytosis refers to a condition in which the body makes too many platelets, often caused by underlying conditions like infections and bone marrow disorders. MayoClinic.com says thrombocytosis occurs when bone marrow produces too many cells that make platelets and release them into the bloodstream. Routine blood tests determine an overproduction of platelets.
Conditions related to thrombocytosis include allergic reactions, kidney failure or kidney disorders, heart attacks, blood loss, iron deficiency anemia, spleen removal, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, surgical procedures, and exercise. Certain medications cause reactive thrombocytosis. Symptoms of thrombocytosis include lightheadedness, fatigue, headaches, vision loss, numbness in the hands and feet, and chest pains.
Treatments and Prevention
Doctors diagnose platelet conditions by taking blood tests, examining the body for bruises that may be signs of clots, skin bleeding signs, and pressing the abdomen to check for liver or spleen enlargement. The Cleveland Clinic says doctors may not have to treat some cases of thrombocytopenia. If the thrombocytopenia is medication-induced, they may change prescriptions. Alcohol also depresses platelet production.
Thrombocytosis poses more serious threats, so doctors take extensive medical histories that include age and health risks. Age, cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking increase risks; therefore, people must manage their health conditions and stop smoking.
Conclusion
Platelets play an important role in the body, helping it stop blood flow caused by injuries and wounds. If they are off balance, platelets can cause serious health problems that slow wound healing or accelerate production. While many conditions are easy to treat, others lead to serious health problems that can be life-threatening. Thus, these tiny particles work together to fix an injured body.
