Have you ever been scared to see your little one develop blue-purple bruises on their body, especially their legs? Or have you, as an adult, noticed small red spots on your skin and noticed your gums bleeding when you brush your teeth? It's normal to feel scared when you see things like this. But most of the time, the cause is a condition called ITP. So today, let's talk about what ITP is, why it happens, is it dangerous, and what to do about it, very simply, as if you were talking to a friend.
What is ITP simply?
Although this name may seem a bit long, its meaning is very simple. Let's break it down.
- Idiopathic : The simplest meaning of this is "no known cause."
- Thrombocytopenic: This means that there is a decrease in the number of cells in our blood called 'thrombocytes'. We usually call these thrombocytes 'platelets' .
- Purpura: This refers to purple bruises caused by bleeding under the skin.
Simply put, ITP is a condition that occurs when our body's own immune system malfunctions, destroying platelets, which are essential for blood clotting, and causing a decrease in the number of platelets.
Think of it this way: when we get a cut or injury somewhere on our body, these little workers called platelets rush to stop the bleeding and stick it on the spot like a 'plaster' to close the hole. In ITP, what happens is that our own defense force (immune system) thinks that these little workers (platelets) are our enemies and attacks and destroys them. Then the number of platelets in the blood decreases. That is why even a small wound does not stop bleeding, and bruises form.
There are two types of ITP - the way it presents in children and adults is different!
The way ITP develops is very different in children and adults. It is very important to understand this difference.
| Characteristic | Acute ITP in Children | Chronic ITP in Adults |
|---|---|---|
| Most common age | It is common in young children between the ages of 2-6. | It usually affects young and middle-aged people (20-50 years old). It is more common in women. |
| Reason | It can often occur 1-4 weeks after a viral infection , such as a cold or chickenpox. | Often no specific cause can be found (idiopathic). It may be associated with other diseases (e.g. lupus). |
| Duration of the disease | This is temporary (acute) and usually resolves in less than 6 months. | This is chronic . It lasts for more than 6 months, sometimes throughout life. |
| The nature of healing | More than 80% of children recover spontaneously without any treatment. | Spontaneous recovery is rare, and treatment is often required to control symptoms. |
What are the main symptoms of this disease?
Low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, so you may see symptoms like:
- Easy bruising (Purpura): Even with a minor injury, sometimes purple or blue bruises appear on the body.
- Petechiae: Pinpoint red or purple spots caused by tiny blood vessels under the skin. These are most commonly seen on the legs.
- Nosebleed.
- Bleeding gums when brushing your teeth.
- Heavy periods in women.
- Rarely, blood is passed with stool or urine.
- Very rare but most dangerous condition: Bleeding into the brain (Intracranial Hemorrhage). This is very rare. However, if you have symptoms such as severe headache, vomiting, and confusion , you should immediately go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
Is this a dangerous situation? Should we really be afraid?
To answer this question directly, ITP is not a dangerous disease for most people, especially children.
More than 80% of children recover completely from the condition within a few months without any treatment. In children with ITP, doctors often only monitor the condition.
However, chronic ITP in adults is a bit different. Because it lasts for a long time, it can affect quality of life. However, there are treatments today that can successfully control this condition as well.
The only and main risk here is bleeding. If the platelet count drops to a very low level (e.g., less than 10,000), the risk of serious bleeding increases. This is especially true for people over 60 years of age and those who have had previous bleeding. That is why it is important to see your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms.
How do you find this, Doctor?
When you see a doctor with these symptoms, the first thing he or she will do is ask you and your child about any recent illnesses or medications you are taking. Then, they will examine your body and look for any bruises or red spots.
The next most important test is a complete blood count (FBC) .
- In this report, the platelet count shows a very low value .
- However, the number of red blood cells and white blood cells is normal.
ITP is a 'diagnosis of exclusion'. This means that ITP is diagnosed only after other causes of low platelets (e.g. dengue, leukemia, other autoimmune diseases, certain medications) have been ruled out. For some older patients, a bone marrow test may be done to check if the bone marrow is producing enough platelets.
Take-Home Message
- ITP is a condition in which our own immune system destroys platelets in the blood.
- The main symptoms are sudden bruising, red spots on the skin, and bleeding from various places.
- ITP in children is often temporary, can occur after a viral fever, and resolves on its own without treatment.
- ITP in adults can be chronic, but it can be controlled.
- Although the main risk of this disease is bleeding, serious complications such as bleeding into the brain are very rare.
- If you or your child has these symptoms, it is very important not to panic and see your doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis and advice.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න