Essential Tips for Early Detection

Nobody knows for sure why the immune system suddenly starts attacking the body’s platelets, but being aware of the symptoms can help you get a quicker diagnosis—and quicker treatment. If you think you have ITP, it’s important to see your doctor and get diagnosed as soon as possible—starting treatment right away will help you increase your platelet counts and reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising.

• Petechiae, or small red spots on your skin that are caused by broken blood vessels.
• Bruises where no injury has occurred. When you have ITP, low platelet counts can result in spontaneous bruises caused by bleeding.
• You’re a woman and your period is heavier or longer than normal.
• You experience inexplicable bleeding in your nose, cheeks, gums, urine or stool.
• You feel unusually tired or even depressed.

If you think you have ITP, it’s time to take action and work with your healthcare practitioner for an accurate diagnosis. In addition to reviewing your medical and family health history, your healthcare practitioner will likely give you a complete blood count test to check your platelet levels (normal levels are 150,00 to 400,000). Your doctor may also want you to see a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in blood diseases, to gain a greater understanding of what may have caused your platelet levels to fall.

For even more information, the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA) provides in-depth information on its website. Go to pdsa.org/about-itp/early-detectionprevention to learn more about early detection and important next steps to take.