Thrombocytopenia refers to a reduction in the normal levels of functional platelets, which can increase your risk of bruising and bleeding.
Bleeding and low platelets (thrombocytopenia)
Thrombocytopenia refers to a reduction in your normal levels of functional platelets, which can increase your risk of bruising and bleeding.
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Pale skin
- Difficulty catching your breath
- Dizziness
Your doctor will monitor your platelet level with blood tests if you are at risk of low platelets. To help prevent injury/bleeding when you are at risk of or have low platelets, you should:
- Use an electric razor
- Yse a soft tooth brush and avoid dental floss or toothpicks
- Wear gloves and protective shoes in the garden
- Avoid using aspirin and ibuprofen like medications for pain relief (talk to your care team for further information)
If you experience minor bleeding, basic first aid principles apply:
- Apply direct pressure on the wound
- Elevate the injured limb if possible
- Rest
A platelet transfusion may be necessary depending on your clinical situation. I need to know about platelets”.
ReferencesReferences
For a full list of references, click here.
- Cancer Council Victoria (2020). Side effects of chemotherapy. Retrieved 14 October 2020 from https://www.cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/treatments/treatments-types/chemotherapy/side_effects_of_chemotherapy.html
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