Why Do I Have Too Few Platelets?

The content of platelets remains stable at a certain level, and its quantity may be affected by various factors, leading to an increase or decrease. Low platelet count is often associated with various diseases, but it can only indicate an abnormality. The specific causes require further examination for confirmation. Let's first explore some common reasons for low platelet count.

1. Decreased platelet production:

(1) Inherited causes such as Fanconi anemia, congenital thrombocytopenia with macrothrombocytopathy, and May-Hegglin anomaly.

(2) Acquired causes including aplastic anemia, bone marrow infiltration (due to malignant bone marrow metastasis, leukemia, bone marrow fibrosis, tuberculosis), chemotherapy drugs, radiation, megakaryocyte aplasia, viral infections (such as measles, mumps), drugs affecting platelet production (e.g., alcohol), and vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.

2. Increased platelet destruction caused by non-immunological factors: thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, pregnancy, infection, angiomatous thrombocytopenic syndrome, snake bite, acute respiratory distress syndrome, severe burns, etc.

3. Increased platelet destruction caused by immunological factors: immune thrombocytopenic purpura, HIV infection, cyclic thrombocytopenia, drug-induced thrombocytopenia (e.g., heparin, quinine, quinidine, analgesics and antipyretics, penicillin, cephalosporin antibiotics, rifampin, furosemide, carbamazepine, valproate, sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agents, and phenytoin), post-transfusion thrombocytopenia.

4. Abnormal platelet distribution: splenic hyperfunction, hypothermia.

5. Platelet loss due to bleeding, extracorporeal perfusion, hemodialysis.

6. Other pseudothrombocytopenia.

1. Ginseng and Eclipta Prostrata Porridge: Take 9g of ginseng, 9g of Eclipta Prostrata, and an appropriate amount of sugar. First, stew the ginseng slices until cooked. Clean and boil Eclipta Prostrata to make a decoction. Combine the cooked ginseng, Eclipta Prostrata decoction, and washed rice in a pot. Add an appropriate amount of water. Boil over high heat until boiling, then reduce the heat and simmer until the porridge is cooked. Consume one serving daily for several days to nourish qi and blood.

2. Red Date, Goat Shank, and Glutinous Rice Porridge: Take 1-2 goat shanks, 20 red dates, and 100g of glutinous rice. Clean and break the goat shanks, then boil them in an appropriate amount of water. Take the broth, remove the bones, and combine with the washed glutinous rice and pitted red dates in a pot. Boil over high heat until boiling, then reduce the heat and cook until the porridge is thin. Season and consume. This porridge has the effect of tonifying the spleen, nourishing the blood, and strengthening the kidneys and qi.

3. Decoction of Imperata Cylindrica and Lotus Rhizome Nodes: Take 60g of Imperata Cylindrica and 60g of fresh lotus rhizome nodes. Clean and cut the Imperata Cylindrica into sections. Clean and slice the lotus rhizome nodes. Combine both in a pot and add an appropriate amount of water. Boil for 30 minutes, strain, and divide the decoction into two servings to be consumed in the morning and afternoon. This decoction has the effect of clearing heat, cooling the blood, and stopping bleeding.

4. Stewed Red Dates with Peanuts: Take 30g of peanuts and 20 red dates. Clean the red dates and combine them with the peanuts in a pot. Add an appropriate amount of water and stew over low heat for 30 minutes. Consume in the morning and afternoon, drinking the broth and eating the peanuts and red dates. This dish has the effect of tonifying qi and regulating blood.

5. Bee Milk and Milk: Take 20g of bee milk and 250ml of milk. Pour the milk into a pot and boil it. Once it cools to a warm temperature, add the bee milk and stir well. Consume this mixture in the morning along with breakfast. It has the effect of nourishing qi, blood, and essence.