A blood test is a very important test to determine the condition of the body. Any deviations of indicators from the norm may indicate the development of a pathological process that requires treatment. One of the important components of blood are platelets, which are responsible for its clotting. An increase in their values \u200b\u200bmay indicate the development of thrombocytosis, which, without proper treatment, leads to serious consequences. What does high platelets in the blood mean, and what are the ways to treat this disorder? We will consider all this in the article.
Determination of platelets
Platelets are colorless, spherical blood cells produced by the bone marrow. They perform a number of important functions in the body. The process of formation of plates is not interrupted, but under certain circumstances, an increase in their number is observed, which may be a sign of developmentpathological processes. It is necessary to monitor the level of platelets and identify the cause of the violations in time.
Functions
The main function of platelets is to ensure normal blood clotting. When a capillary is damaged, a thrombus is formed - a blood clot, which, as it were, seals the damage, thereby stopping the bleeding.
Also, platelets perform other equally important functions:
- Nutritious. Saturation of blood vessels with nutrients.
- Protective. Participate in the immune response of the body, attaching to foreign proteins, which prevents the development of inflammatory processes.
- Exchange. When platelets are destroyed, substances that are involved in metabolism are released.
- Regulate body temperature.
- Cause blood vessels to spasm, which helps stop bleeding.
- Construction.
Normal performance
Indicators can change both due to physiological conditions, and indicate the development of pathology. For example, women experience constant fluctuations in platelet levels. This is due to the menstrual cycle, in which blood is renewed.
| Adult people, g/l | Women after menstruation, g/l | Women during pregnancy, g/l | Children of the first days of life, g/l | Baby, g/l | Children after a year, g/l |
| 180–400 | 100–350 | 100–420 | 150–420 | 150–350 | 180–400 |
Also, indicators are affected by age, gender, physical activity, taking certain medications, and more. The increased content of platelets in the blood of a child under one year old is due to its active growth and the development of all systems and organs of the baby.
Types of thrombocytosis
Currently, experts distinguish 3 types of increased platelets, which depend on the cause. Consider them in more detail:
- Primary. Caused by dysfunction of the bone marrow. There are no associated symptoms. This type of pathology is typical for people after 60 years. Rarely diagnosed.
- Secondary. Provoked by various diseases, infections, viruses, drugs.
- Relative. An increased platelet count in the blood is associated with a decrease in plasma volume. In fact, the number of blood cells is within the normal range.
Reasons for the increase
Causes of elevated platelets in the blood may indicate the type of thrombocytosis.
The primary type is caused by the following pathological conditions:
- Congenital diseases of the circulatory system.
- Leukemia.
- Bone marrow tumors.
- Erythremia.
Secondary thrombocytosis can be caused by:
- Autoimmune conditions.
- Profuse bleeding.
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
- The impact of viruses.
- Encephalitis.
- Inflammatory diseases.
- Iron deficiency anemia.
- Using contraceptives and hormones.
- Infectious diseases.
- Malignant processes.
- Septic conditions.
- Colitis.
- Stress conditions.
- Removal of the spleen.
- Parasite and others.
The relative type is detected due to the following conditions:
- Lack of fluid intake.
- Dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea.
- Kidney disease.
- Intoxication.
It is worth highlighting the physiological causes of thrombocytosis:
- Excessive physical activity.
- Increased adrenaline.
- Elevated platelets in the blood of women can be observed during pregnancy and the postpartum period. But it is worth noting that a very high level of these blood cells may indicate a threat of abortion. You should consult a doctor and start therapy.
Large platelets
When diagnosing, not only quantitative changes are examined, but also qualitative violations. There are indicators (P-LCR and P-LCC) that display the number of large platelets, which are younger relative to other platelets. An increase in the number of such cells indicates the need for their production. This is primarily due to the preservation of the integrity of blood vessels. Also, an increased content of large platelets in the blood is observed with the followingpathological conditions:
- Myocardial infarction.
- Atherosclerosis.
- Ischemic disease.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- If the content of large platelets in the blood is increased, we can talk about a defective structure of cells. Hematologist consultation required.
Symptomatics
Manifestations of elevated platelets in the blood may be mild or hide behind signs of the underlying disease. The clinical picture for this pathological condition is as follows:
- General malaise and weakness.
- Pain in limbs.
- Increased gum bleeding.
- Nose, intestinal bleeding. During bowel movements, you may notice blood in the stool. Urine turns pinkish.
- Subcutaneous hematomas that form for no apparent reason.
- Numbness and cold extremities.
- Persistent headaches.
- Enlargement of the spleen.
- Pain in the abdomen.
- Cyanosis of the skin.
- Decrease in visual acuity.
- Lack of appetite.
- Itchy skin.
Symptomatics of elevated platelet count in the blood of men and women does not differ, but may be supplemented by signs of the underlying disease.
Diagnosis
If symptoms appear, you should contact a medical facility as soon as possible and pass the necessary tests. Therapy is prescribed only after confirmation of thrombocytosis and identification of a provoking disease. Used in diagnosticscomplex of laboratory and instrumental examinations. Consider them in more detail:
- First of all, a medical examination is carried out and an anamnesis of the disease is collected.
- The most reliable diagnostic method for detecting elevated platelets in the blood is a general analysis, which uses capillary or venous blood taken on an empty stomach.
- A urinalysis is also ordered.
- Coagulogram, which is a significantly informative diagnostic method.
- Fecal occult blood test.
- Ultrasound examination of the abdomen, liver, spleen and pelvic organs.
- X-ray.
- You may need to consult a hematologist, infectious disease specialist and other highly specialized specialists.
Dangerous Complications
Elevated platelet counts are a dangerous condition with serious consequences.
- The development of thrombosis is a real threat. This complication is especially dangerous during pregnancy, because due to lack of oxygen and nutrition, placental abruption, fetal hypoxia, miscarriage and death of the child can develop.
- Thromboembolism, in which a blood clot can break off, which is fraught with dangerous consequences, up to the death of the patient.
- Strokes.
Treatment
Treatment for elevated platelets in the blood is prescribed based on the results of the tests. For this, an integrated approach is used, including medic altherapy, diet therapy and folk remedies.
Medications used for this pathology include:
- Anticoagulants. Help prevent blood clotting: Fragmin, Hirudin, Heparin.
- Antiaggregants that thin the blood: "Kurantil".
- Immunostimulators: "Viferon".
- NSAID: "Aspirin", sometimes used to thin the blood.
In cases where drug therapy is ineffective, the doctor decides on the need for thrombocytophoresis. This procedure involves the removal of excess platelets through blood flow separation.
Due to the fact that the level of platelets in the blood is constantly undergoing changes, it is worth paying special attention to lowering their level. This condition is also considered pathological and requires treatment.
Knowing how to increase the platelet count in the blood, you can avoid the development of serious complications. For treatment, glucocorticoid drugs, immunoglobulin therapy are used. Iron-rich foods are recommended.
Diet therapy
Compliance with a certain diet plays an important role in the treatment of thrombocytosis. The following products are recommended for consumption:
- Olive and linseed oil.
- Tomato juice.
- Garlic.
- Fish oil.
- Berries.
- Foods rich in magnesium.
- Dairy products.
- Beans.
- Pasta.
- Chocolate.
- Ginger.
- Eggplant.
The following should be excluded from the diet:
- Bananas.
- Nuts.
- Dried fruits.
- Grenades.
- Rosehip.
- Buckwheat porridge.
- Smoked meats.
An important condition is the observance of the drinking regime. It is recommended to consume at least two liters of fluid per day.
Folk recipes
The use of traditional medicine is possible only after consultation with your doctor. In the absence of contraindications, the following folk recipes are used:
- Ginger and honey tea.
- Cocoa drink made from natural cocoa bean powder. Should be consumed without sugar.
- White willow bark used as an infusion.
- Donnik.
- Verbena.
- Nettle.
Prevention
To avoid deviations in the blood test, certain preventive rules should be followed:
- Strengthening immunity.
- Proper nutrition.
- Compliance with the drinking regime.
- He althy lifestyle.
- Exclusion of excessive physical activity.
- Systematic visits to the doctor and control over changes in blood counts.
Conclusion
Thrombocytosis is a dangerous disease that can lead to irreparable consequences. With timely therapy, patient reviews in most casespositive, so you should listen to your body. When the first symptoms appear, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, who will help identify the underlying cause and prescribe the necessary treatment.
