Decreased production of platelets Some types of anemia. Viral infections, such as hepatitis C or HIV. Chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy. Heavy alcohol consumption.

What is the most common cause of low platelet count in elderly?

Thrombocytopenia has many causes. One of the most common causes of low platelets is a condition called immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). You may hear it called by its old name, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Are low platelets common in elderly?

With prolonged life expectancy, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is frequent in elderly people. In this setting, ITP diagnosis is challenging because of the concern about an underlying myelodysplastic syndrome. Studies of older adults are lacking, and recommendations for treatment are based mainly on expert opinion.

How can elderly increase platelet count?

Several vitamins and minerals can encourage a higher platelet count, including:

1. Folate-rich foods. Share on Pinterest Black-eyed peas are a folate-rich food.
2. Vitamin B-12-rich foods.
3. Vitamin C-rich foods.
4. Vitamin D-rich foods.
5. Vitamin K-rich foods.
6. Iron-rich foods.

When should I be concerned about low platelet count?

Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of internal bleeding. Rarely, this condition may lead to bleeding in your brain. If you have a low platelet count and experience headaches or any neurological problems, tell your doctor right away.

How can I stop my platelets from dropping?

Low Platelets Thrombocytopenia

1. Avoid procedures that may cause a break in the skin.
2. Take special precautions with personal hygiene.
3. Avoid falls in the shower or tub by using slip guard mats.
4. Keep your teeth clean with a soft toothbrush.
5. Use an electric razor for shaving.
6. Wear shoes to protect your feet.

What is the alarming level of platelets?

When a platelet count is below 50,000, bleeding is more serious if you’re cut or bruised. If the platelet count falls below 10,000 to 20,000 per microliter, spontaneous bleeding may occur and is considered a life-threatening risk.

Which medications cause low platelet count?

When medicines or drugs are the causes of a low platelet count, it is called drug-induced thrombocytopenia. Other medicines that cause drug-induced thrombocytopenia include:

• Furosemide.
• Gold, used to treat arthritis.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Penicillin.
• Quinidine.
• Quinine.
• Ranitidine.
• Sulfonamides.

What is a normal platelet count for a 77 year old woman?

Putting this together, we determined the following platelet count reference intervals for seniors aged 60 years and older: 165–355 × 109/L for females, and 150–300 × 109/L (60–69 years), 130–300 (70–79 years), and 120–300 (80 years and above) for males.

Do low platelets make you feel tired?

Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) definition and facts. Symptoms and signs of thrombocytopenia may include fatigue, bleeding, and others.

Is low platelet count serious?

A low platelet count is a blood disorder that has a long list of possible causes. It is also known as thrombocytopenia. Reduced platelet content in the blood is not always a serious problem. However, the condition affects the ability of the blood to clot, and wounds can bleed severely with this condition.

How can I raise my platelet count fast?

8 Things That Can Increase Your Blood Platelet Count

1. Eating more leafy greens.
2. Eating more fatty fish.
3. Increasing folate consumption.
4. Avoiding alcohol.
5. Eating more citrus.
6. Consuming more iron-rich foods.
7. Trying a chlorophyll supplement.
8. Avoiding vitamin E and fish oil supplements.

What is the treatment to increase platelet count?

If your platelet level becomes too low, your doctor can replace lost blood with transfusions of packed red blood cells or platelets. Medications. If your condition is related to an immune system problem, your doctor might prescribe drugs to boost your platelet count. The first-choice drug might be a corticosteroid.

What is the symptoms of low platelets?

What are the signs of a low platelet count?

• More bruises, or worse bruises, than usual.
• Small purple or red dots under your skin.
• Nosebleeds or bleeding gums.
• Black or bloody-looking bowel movements.
• Red or pink urine.
• Vomit with blood in it.
• An unusually heavy menstrual period.
• Severe headaches.

Does platelet count change with age?

Platelet count shows a well-documented change during ageing. Platelet count remains relatively stable during middle age (25–60 years old) but falls in old age (60+), decreasing by approximately 8 %, or 20,000 platelets/μl, between 50- and 59-year-old subjects and those over 70 years old (Segal and Moliterno 2006).

What is considered critical low platelet count?

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. However, the risk for serious bleeding doesn’t occur until the count becomes very low— less than 10,000 or 20,000 platelets per microliter.