What is meant by a Low Platelet Count?

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What is Low Platelet Count?

Low Platelet Count or "Thrombocytopenia" is the lack in the number of Blood Platelet Cells. These cells are basically responsible for the Clotting of Blood. Platelets stop the blood flow by plugging or clamping the holes of the blood vessels. The Blood Platelet Count is said to be low when there are  less than 150,000 platelets per microliter of blood.

What actually happens when we have a Low Platelet Count?

 A Low Platelet Count could mean bleeding from the nose, gums and in the extreme cases there may be internal bleeding too. A You do not have access to view this node can cause a person to die in some of the extreme situations.

What are the causes for Low Platelet Count?

One of the causes for a Low Count is the less number of production of the Platelet cells by the marrow of the bone. There are some cases that cause the bone marrow to stop the production of the cells  which may be caused by cancers such as leukemia . Some times excessive intake of alcohol can cause lack in platelets. There's also a condition known as ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura) where the immune system produces antibodies against its own platelets causing them to be destroyed.

 less than 150,000 platelets per microliter of blood