What are the causes of thrombocytopenia?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
In general, thrombocytopenia may be caused by physiological cycle changes, intense physical exercise, medication effects, hepatitis virus infection, or other reasons. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, maintain healthy lifestyle habits, moderately increase intake of foods rich in iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients for blood formation, and undergo routine blood tests regularly.
In general, thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) may be caused by physiological cycle changes, intense physical exercise, medication effects, hepatitis, aplastic anemia, and other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Physiological Cycle Changes
During the menstrual cycle, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can affect the rate of platelet production in the bone marrow, leading to a temporary decrease in platelet count. It is important in daily life to maintain a healthy lifestyle, ensuring adequate rest and nutrition.
2. Intense Physical Exercise
During intense exercise, blood is redistributed, and platelets may temporarily accumulate in the spleen or other organs, resulting in a reduced number of circulating platelets. Platelet counts typically return to normal on their own after appropriate rest and resumption of regular activity levels.
3. Medication Effects
Certain medications such as quinine or heparin may trigger immune responses that lead to antibody labeling of platelets and their premature destruction, causing thrombocytopenia. It is advisable to consult a doctor and switch to alternative medications that do not induce platelet reduction.
4. Hepatitis
Hepatitis viruses can cause liver inflammation and directly destroy platelets, resulting in platelet counts falling below the normal range. Symptoms may include vomiting and loss of appetite. Patients should receive treatment under medical guidance using medications such as lamivudine tablets, entecavir dispersible tablets, or tacrolimus extended-release capsules.
5. Aplastic Anemia
Long-term exposure to ionizing radiation may trigger aplastic anemia, impairing normal bone marrow hematopoietic function and reducing platelet production. This condition may be accompanied by symptoms such as anemia and abnormal white blood cell counts. Under medical advice, patients may require treatment with medications such as compound ferrous sulfate granules, iron dextran tablets, or ferrous fumarate granules.
In daily life, individuals should maintain good living habits, moderately increase intake of foods rich in iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, and other essential components for blood formation, and undergo routine complete blood count examinations regularly.
