First Time User? Sign Up Now
First Time User? Enroll now.
Home > Fitness & Health > Health Library > Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia (say "throm-buh-sy-tuh-PEE-nee-uh") is a low number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are the cells that help blood clot. If you don't have enough of them, your blood can't clot well. That means it's harder to stop bleeding.
You may have low platelets because your bone marrow doesn't make them. Or your body's defenses (immune system) may destroy them.
Having an enlarged spleen can also reduce the number of platelets in your blood. This is because they can get trapped in the enlarged spleen.
Some diseases or medicines may also cause low platelets. But platelets may go back to normal levels if you treat the disease or stop using the medicine.
Treatment for low platelets starts with finding a cause that can be stopped. For example, your doctor may change a drug you take or treat an infection you have.
Treatment may include:
You may not need treatment if your problem is mild.
Current as of: March 28, 2019
Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review: Kathleen Romito MD - Family MedicineMartin J. Gabica MD - Family MedicineBrian Leber MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
Current as of:
March 28, 2019
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Brian Leber MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2019 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Feeling under the weather?
Use our interactive symptom checker to evaluate your symptoms and determine appropriate action or treatment.
Our interactive Decision Points guide you through making key health decisions by combining medical information with your personal information.
You'll find Decision Points to help you answer questions about:
Get started learning more about your health!
Our Interactive Tools can help you make smart decisions for a healthier life. You'll find personal calculators and tools for health and fitness, lifestyle checkups, and pregnancy.
509 N. Bright Leaf Blvd.
Smithfield, NC 27577
Phone (919) 934-8171
Employee Intranet Login
Copyright 2019 UNC Health Care. All rights reserved.