What is considered a low platelet count?

A platelet count below 50,000 is low. When your platelet count is low, you may bruise or bleed more easily than usual. A platelet count below 20,000 is very low.

Is a platelet count of 120 low?

A normal platelet count in adults ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A platelet count of less than 150,000 platelets per microliter is lower than normal. If your blood platelet count falls below normal, you have thrombocytopenia.

What are the signs of a low platelet count?

Thrombocytopenia signs and symptoms may include:

• Easy or excessive bruising (purpura)
• Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots (petechiae), usually on the lower legs.
• Prolonged bleeding from cuts.
• Bleeding from your gums or nose.
• Blood in urine or stools.

Why do platelets get low?

Low platelets, or thrombocytopenia, are a common side effect of blood cancers and their treatment. They can also be caused by autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, heavy alcohol consumption, or certain medications. When you have low platelets, you may have frequent or excessive bleeding.

What are the symptoms of low platelets?

How do you feel when platelets are low?

Thrombocytopenia signs and symptoms may include: Easy or excessive bruising (purpura) Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots (petechiae), usually on the lower legs. Prolonged bleeding from cuts.

What does it mean to have a low platelet count?

Having a low platelet count means that the blood possesses too few thrombocytes or specialized blood cells called platelets that help to aid in blood clotting.

What to do if I have a low platelet count?

The treatment for a low platelet count depends on the cause and severity of your condition. If your condition is mild, your doctor may wish to hold off on treatment and simply monitor you. Your doctor may recommend that you take measures to prevent your condition from worsening.

What are the dangers of low platelet count?

People with a low number of platelets may bleed or bruise easily, even after a minor injury. A low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, especially from the mouth, nose and gastrointestinal tract.

How dangerous is a low platelet count?

A very low level of platelet count can be dangerous especially with evident bleeding. It will certainly be a horrible situation to experience sudden and uncontrolled flow of blood from the nose, gums, or any other openings of the body. And sadly, it could happen with a really low platelet count .