Thrombocytopenia Patient Education

What is Thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia means you have a low number of platelets in your blood. Platelets help your blood clot so you don’t bleed too much when you get hurt.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Certain medicines (like blood thinners or some antibiotics)
  
  

• Autoimmune diseases (where your body attacks your own platelets)
  
  

• Infections (like hepatitis or HIV)
  
  

• Bone marrow problems (where platelets are made)
  
  

• Heavy alcohol use
  
  

• Certain cancers or cancer treatments
  
  

• Pregnancy
  
  

• Genetic conditions (rare)
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

• Easy bruising or large bruises
  
  

• Small red or purple spots on the skin (called petechiae)
  
  

• Bleeding from the gums or nose
  
  

• Blood in urine or stool
  
  

• Heavy or longer menstrual periods
  
  

• Feeling very tired if bleeding a lot
  
  

Early Warning Signs

• More bruises than usual without a clear reason
  
  

• Small pinpoint spots on your skin
  
  

• Nosebleeds or gum bleeding that won’t stop quickly
  
  

Complications if Untreated

• Severe bleeding inside the body (such as brain or stomach)
  
  

• Anemia from blood loss
  
  

• Dangerously low platelets leading to uncontrolled bleeding
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

• Avoid medicines that can lower platelets (ask your doctor first)
  
  

• Use a soft toothbrush and avoid flossing roughly
  
  

• Avoid activities with high risk of injury or bleeding
  
  

• Rest if feeling tired or weak from bleeding
  
  

• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan carefully
  
  

• Avoid alcohol, which can lower platelets
  
  

Common Medications

• Medicines to stop your immune system from attacking platelets (like corticosteroids)
  
  

• Medicines to help your body make more platelets
  
  

• Sometimes platelet transfusions if levels are very low
  
  

• Treating the underlying cause if known
  
  

Purpose:
These medicines help increase platelet count or stop your body from destroying them.

Possible Side Effects:

• Corticosteroids may cause weight gain, mood changes, or increased infection risk
  
  

• Transfusions may cause allergic reactions (rare)
  
  

Dietary Needs

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
  
  

• Foods rich in vitamin K (like leafy greens) help blood clot, but check with your doctor if you are on blood thinners
  
  

• Avoid alcohol and limit processed foods
  
  

Lifestyle Changes

• Avoid contact sports or rough play
  
  

• Wear protective gear when needed
  
  

• Use electric razors instead of blades
  
  

• Be gentle when brushing teeth or cleaning nails
  
  

Safety Considerations

• Check for signs of bleeding regularly
  
  

• Keep emergency numbers handy
  
  

• Tell all healthcare providers you have low platelets
  
  

• Avoid needle sticks or injections unless necessary
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Keep all doctor appointments and lab tests
  
  

• Report new or worsening bleeding signs immediately
  
  

• Follow medication and diet guidelines strictly
  
  

• Avoid smoking and alcohol use
  
  

• Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Nurse or Doctor if you experience:

• New or worsening bruises or bleeding
  
  

• Nosebleeds or gum bleeding that lasts more than 10 minutes
  
  

• Blood in urine or stool
  
  

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
  
  

• Feeling dizzy, weak, or very tired
  
  

Go to the Emergency Room if you have:

• Severe bleeding that won’t stop
  
  

• Vomiting or coughing up blood
  
  

• Severe headache or sudden weakness (could be bleeding in the brain)
  
  

• Bleeding into joints causing severe pain or swelling
  
  

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework/Assessment

Instructions:
Read each statement carefully. Choose True or False. If false, correct it.

1. True or False: Platelets help your blood clot to stop bleeding.
   
   

2. True or False: Thrombocytopenia means you have a high number of platelets.
   
   

3. True or False: Easy bruising can be a sign of thrombocytopenia.
   
   

4. True or False: Blood in your urine can be a symptom of thrombocytopenia.
   
   

5. True or False: You should avoid medicines that lower platelets without talking to your doctor.
   
   

6. True or False: Heavy alcohol use can cause thrombocytopenia.
   
   

7. True or False: Small red or purple spots on the skin are called petechiae.
   
   

8. True or False: It is safe to play contact sports if you have thrombocytopenia.
   
   

9. True or False: Corticosteroids are sometimes used to treat thrombocytopenia.
   
   

10. True or False: Eating foods rich in vitamin K may help your blood clot.
    
    

11. True or False: You should ignore nosebleeds if they last more than 10 minutes.
    
    

12. True or False: You should use a soft toothbrush and be gentle with your gums.
    
    

13. True or False: Smoking and alcohol use do not affect thrombocytopenia.
    
    

14. True or False: Platelet transfusions are used when platelet counts are very low.
    
    

15. True or False: You should tell all healthcare providers you have low platelets.
    
    

16. True or False: Severe headaches and sudden weakness can be signs of bleeding in the brain.
    
    

17. True or False: You should avoid needle sticks unless necessary.
    
    

18. True or False: It is okay to stop taking corticosteroids suddenly without telling your doctor.
    
    

19. True or False: Keeping good hygiene helps prevent infections that can worsen thrombocytopenia.
    
    

20. True or False: You should report new or worsening bleeding signs to your healthcare provider immediately.
    
    

Individualized Questions for You

1. Have you noticed any new bruising, bleeding, or red spots on your skin?
   
   

2. What medicines are you currently taking? Have you discussed their effects on your platelets?
   
   

3. How often do you get your platelet levels checked?
   
   

4. Do you have any bleeding during urination, bowel movements, or menstruation?
   
   

5. Are you avoiding alcohol and smoking?
   
   

6. Do you use any blood-thinning medications or supplements?
   
   

7. How do you care for your teeth and gums?
   
   

8. Have you had any recent infections or illnesses?
   
   

9. What activities do you avoid to protect yourself from injury?
   
   

10. Do you understand when to seek emergency help for bleeding problems?