Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): What Causes It And How To Treat It?
Hello guys, ever wondered about the different types of unknown (outside the medical field) diseases? Whether it’s for school or researching purposes today I’ll deep dive into what causes Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia, different types and how to spot the symptoms, giving you an idea of this rare blood disease.
What Is Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia (I know, long name)?
Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia is a rare platelet disorder that causes low platelet count and increases the risk of bleeding more profusely. The disease makes it harder for blood clots to appear, which are of course, important for injuries and wounds/scars.
Platelets are found in bone marrow. Those platelets help to act as a blood stopper, form a blood clot and stick together when an injury happens. However, without the necessary amount of platelets, injuries that do occur spill more blood and the wound doesn’t heal as quickly as it should.
Why Does It Occur?
This happens when the immune system makes a mistake in its calculations and starts to either attack the platelet, or the body doesn’t make enough to sustain the individual's blood stream. As to why this happens? It is not entirely known for sure.
The Different Types Of ITP.
There are two different types of ITP, Chronic ITP and Acute ITP. Chronic ITP nonetheless doesn’t affect the individual too much.
Acute ITP in general doesn’t affect most adults or children, and within small children the disease goes away in a few weeks or months. However, ITP with a small minority of children never ceases to go away.
That’s called Chronic ITP. Chronic ITP lasts throughout a person’s life.
Nevertheless, individuals with Chronic ITP can live relatively normal lives and stop treatment anytime.
The symptoms of ITP
Symptoms vary but the most reported one are:
-Bleeding
Increased bleeding in the following areas:
the gums, nose, or other areas of the body that doesn’t seem to stop.
-Fatigue
An increased feeling of exhaustion.
-Easy bruising
Is as is described, bruising that happens easily.
-Blood in urine.
-Hematoma
Clotted or partly clotted blood under the skin, that both looks and feels as if it’s a lump.
-Purpara
This is also bleeding under the skin, but it causes the bleeding under the skin to appear as red, purple or brownish- yellow spots.
Types of medication.
-Corticosteroids
Oral medication that helps to slow down platelet destruction temporarily.
-Immunosuppressants
Is what is described in the name, medication that suppresses the immune system.
Platelet transfusions
The transfusion of platelet cells from one person to another, however this is used as an emergency treatment for intense bleeding however this treatment is not long term for platelet cells.
Mycophenolate mofetil
Medication primarily used with other medication to stop your body from attacking transplanted organs, belongs to a category of medicine called immunosuppressants.
And finally,
Please check with your doctor before you take any of these treatments. Ignorance pays a more heftier price than consulting with a doctor. Have a great day!