

Have you noticed sudden bruises on your skin? Or are you experiencing frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums for no apparent reason? These could be signs of thrombocytopenia, a common condition that affects the body's ability to stop bleeding. In this comprehensive guide, Dalily Medical, we take you step-by-step to understand:
Symptoms of low platelets
Common causes
How it's diagnosed
Treatment options
And natural remedies that may help
Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the body’s own platelets — the small blood cells responsible for blood clotting and stopping bleeding.
When platelet levels drop too low, the body becomes more prone to unexplained bruising, bleeding gums, and frequent nosebleeds.
Although ITP is considered rare, it can affect both children and adults, ranging from mild cases that require little or no treatment to severe cases needing continuous medical care.
In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown, but several triggers have been linked to the condition:
✅ Viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, respiratory viruses)
✅ Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
✅ Certain medications that impact the immune system
✅ Rarely, ITP can occur after vaccinations or due to genetic factors
Not always.
In children, ITP is often temporary and resolves on its own within 3 months.
In adults, it is more likely to become chronic, lasting longer than 12 months, and usually requires ongoing treatment and monitoring.
No. ITP is not contagious.
It’s an internal immune dysfunction, not an infection, so it cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
Yes, women with ITP can safely get pregnant — with proper medical supervision.
Regular follow-up with both a hematologist and an obstetrician is crucial.
The goal is to keep platelet levels in a safe range to avoid complications during delivery.
In rare cases, immune antibodies may affect the baby, but this is usually manageable.
✅ Yes — but with caution.
Gentle exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming are usually safe.
Avoid contact sports or activities that pose a high risk of injury or bruising, like boxing or football, especially when platelet counts are very low.
It depends on the case:
Children: Often recover on their own without long-term treatment.
Adults: The condition may persist and require regular treatment, but with proper medical care, symptoms can be controlled and patients can live a normal life.
A healthy diet doesn't directly cure ITP, but it can support the immune system.
Recommended foods include:
Foods rich in vitamin C like oranges and bell peppers
Iron-rich foods like spinach and lentils
Folic acid sources like broccoli and avocados
Normal range: 150,000 – 450,000 per microliter of blood
It's considered low when it drops below 150,000
Serious risk occurs when it drops below 30,000, increasing the danger of spontaneous bleeding
In very severe and untreated cases, internal bleeding (such as brain hemorrhage) can be life-threatening. However, this is rare.
Most people with ITP can live safely with early diagnosis and regular monitoring.
ITP is an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly destroys platelets.
Other causes of low platelets may include:
Leukemia (blood cancer)
Liver or spleen diseases
Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
That’s why other causes must be ruled out before confirming ITP.
Not always.
Platelet transfusions are generally reserved for emergencies, such as:
Severe bleeding
Preparing for surgery
Transfusions are usually temporary solutions, not a permanent cure.
Yes. Some foods and supplements may increase blood thinning and bleeding risk, such as:
Large amounts of raw garlic
Highly concentrated ginger
High-dose Omega-3 supplements (without medical supervision)
ITP can affect all age groups.
In children, it’s often temporary and resolves within a few months.
In adults, it's more likely to become chronic.
Yes, chronic stress can weaken the immune system and worsen the condition.
It's important to maintain a calm lifestyle, get enough sleep, and manage daily stress effectively.
Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks platelets, lowering their count and increasing bleeding risk.
Here are the 7 most common causes:
The most common type
The immune system misidentifies platelets as a threat and destroys them
No clear underlying cause
Some viruses can trigger an immune response that targets platelets:
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
HIV
Rubella virus
Coxsackie virus
Hepatitis B & C
Rarely, certain vaccines may overstimulate the immune system and affect platelets, especially:
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Seasonal flu vaccines
⚠️ Note: The benefits of vaccines greatly outweigh this rare risk.
Some drugs may stimulate the immune system to create antibodies against platelets:
Quinine
Certain antibiotics (e.g., sulfonamides)
Heparin (may cause a special form of thrombocytopenia known as HIT)
ITP can be part of a broader immune condition, such as:
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Some women may develop ITP during pregnancy due to immune changes. It may affect the mother, the fetus, or both.
ITP may develop after a transplant due to an overactive immune response.
ITP becomes serious when platelet levels fall below 20,000/μL, raising the risk of:
Spontaneous bleeding, like nosebleeds or gum bleeding
Unexplained bruising or internal bleeding
Intracranial hemorrhage, a rare but life-threatening complication
If these symptoms appear, immediate medical attention is crucial.
ITP isn’t a single disease—it includes several types based on cause and duration. Here's a breakdown:
✅ Definition: Not linked to any underlying condition.
Cause: Autoimmune reaction where the immune system attacks healthy platelets.
Common in both children and adults—often resolves on its own in children.
✅ Definition: Caused by another disease or external factor.
Common causes:
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, APS)
Viral infections (e.g., HIV, hepatitis)
Medications (e.g., antibiotics, heparin)
Cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma)
Usually affects children after a viral infection.
⏳ Duration: Less than 3 months
✅ Often resolves without aggressive treatment
More common in adults
⏳ Duration: More than 12 months
⚠️ Requires regular monitoring and possibly ongoing treatment
⏳ Duration: 3–12 months
May progress to chronic or resolve gradually
Type | Duration | Common Group | Causes / Triggers |
---|---|---|---|
Acute ITP | < 3 months | Children | Post-viral infection |
Persistent ITP | 3–12 months | All ages | Early stage of chronic or temporary ITP |
Chronic ITP | > 12 months | Adults | Ongoing autoimmune dysfunction |
Primary ITP | Variable | All ages | No linked underlying condition |
Secondary ITP | Variable | All ages | Infections, autoimmune disease, cancer |
Even mild cases can turn serious if undiagnosed or unmanaged:
Sudden bleeding: From nose, gums, or internal organs (e.g., brain, stomach)
Easy bruising: Large bruises from minor trauma
Organ bleeding: Especially in the brain (rare but life-threatening)
Pregnancy risks: Bleeding during labor or low platelet count in the baby
Treatment-related complications: Long-term immune suppression from steroids
Understanding the stage helps determine the appropriate treatment:
⏱️ < 3 months
Common in children after infections
✅ Often resolves naturally
⏱️ 3–12 months
Requires monitoring, mild treatment if needed
⏱️ > 12 months
Common in adults
⚠️ May require long-term medications or splenectomy in some cases
Note: Many patients live normal lives with regular monitoring and proper care.
ITP isn’t diagnosed with a single test—it's a process of exclusion to:
Confirm low platelet count
Rule out other causes
Guide proper treatment
Physical Examination
Doctor looks for:
Unexplained bruises
Nose/gum bleeding
Tiny red spots (petechiae)
Medical history and recent medications are reviewed.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Platelets are low (<150,000/µL)
✅ Other blood cells are usually normal—supporting an ITP diagnosis
Blood Smear
Examines platelet shape and appearance under a microscope
Helps rule out leukemia or other blood disorders
Rule Out Secondary Causes
Tests for:
Viral infections (HIV, EBV, Hep B & C)
Liver and spleen function
Medication side effects
Bone Marrow Biopsy (if needed)
Done when:
Patient doesn't respond to treatment
There's suspicion of another blood disorder
✅ Ensures bone marrow is producing platelets correctly
Treatment depends on:
Age
Platelet count
Presence of bleeding
Response to previous therapies
⏳ For mild cases, especially in children
???? Platelet count is monitored without medication
✅ Many cases resolve spontaneously
Examples: Prednisone, Dexamethasone
✅ Reduce immune attack on platelets
⚠️ Side effects: weight gain, high blood sugar, bone loss
Provides quick but temporary increase in platelets
⏱️ Used in emergencies or before surgery
Examples: Rituximab, Azathioprine
Used when steroids or IVIG fail
⚠️ These drugs suppress the immune system, so they must be used with caution due to the risk of infections.
Examples: Eltrombopag, Romiplostim
Stimulate the bone marrow to produce more platelets
✅ Useful in chronic ITP cases that don't respond to other treatments
Considered when drug treatments fail, especially in chronic cases
✅ The spleen is responsible for destroying antibody-coated platelets; removing it can significantly raise platelet count.
The spleen filters the blood and helps remove platelets mistakenly targeted by the immune system. Its removal reduces platelet destruction, potentially improving counts.
Chronic ITP lasting more than 12 months
Failure of steroids, IVIG, and Rituximab
Severe or life-threatening bleeding risk
May result in long-term remission
Reduces or eliminates the need for immunosuppressive drugs
Improves quality of life in some patients
Higher risk of serious bacterial infections, especially from encapsulated bacteria
Requires preoperative and postoperative vaccinations (e.g., pneumococcal, meningococcal, and Hib)
Regular follow-up needed after surgery
Aspect | Medication | Splenectomy |
---|---|---|
Usage | First-line, especially in acute cases | For chronic/refractory cases |
Examples | Steroids, IVIG, Rituximab, TPO agonists | Surgical removal of spleen |
Results | Effective for many patients | Can offer lasting improvement |
Response Time | Fast, but symptoms may return | Long-term, but not guaranteed |
Side Effects | Weight gain, bone loss, immunosuppression | Surgical risks, infection |
Follow-Up | Frequent lab monitoring, dosage adjustments | Long-term infection prevention |
Psychological Impact | Stressful due to prolonged treatment | Some feel relief after surgery |
Although standard treatment for ITP requires medical supervision, certain herbs and natural supplements might help support the immune system and general health. However, they are not a substitute for medical treatment.
Herb / Natural Product | Potential Benefit |
---|---|
Turmeric | Anti-inflammatory, may modulate immune activity |
Ginger | Boosts circulation, reduces inflammation |
Red Clover | Rich in antioxidants, supports immunity |
Papaya Leaf Juice | Traditionally believed to increase platelet count (needs more research) |
Garlic | Natural antimicrobial and immune booster |
Always consult your doctor before using herbs or supplements, especially if you're on medications that affect immunity or blood clotting.
Some herbs may interact with medications or cause adverse effects.
Use natural remedies only as complementary support, not as a primary treatment.
✅ Herbs and Natural Ingredients Believed to Help ITP Patients
Herb / Ingredient | Potential Benefit |
---|---|
Turmeric | A natural anti-inflammatory that may help regulate immune system activity |
Ginger | Boosts blood circulation and reduces inflammation |
Red Clover | Rich in antioxidants and may support immune function |
Papaya Leaf Juice | Believed to increase platelet count, though more research is needed |
Garlic | A powerful antibacterial agent and immune system booster |
⚠️ Important Warning:
These herbs are not a substitute for medical treatment prescribed by your doctor.
Always consult your physician before using any herbal remedies, especially if you are taking medications that affect blood clotting or immune function.
Some herbs may interact with medications and cause unwanted side effects.