Try adjusting your type
14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
A “platelet count” is a lab test that measures the number of platelets, which are small blood cells that help in blood clotting, in a person’s blood. It is used to diagnose diseases and monitor treatment effectiveness. Low or high platelet counts can indicate a medical condition that requires treatment.
In any discussion about human health, platelets are likely to make an appearance. They are undeniably important, playing vital roles in various bodily functions – from blood clotting to immune response. This article aims to deepen your understanding of platelets, the importance of monitoring platelet count, and the potential implications of abnormal levels.
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, constitute a small fraction of our blood, but their importance is immense. These disc-shaped cell fragments are produced in the bone marrow and are critical for blood clotting, a process essential to stop excessive bleeding in case of injury. Without a sufficient platelet count, the body may struggle to form clots, leading to excessive bleeding and potentially life-threatening situations.
Beyond their clotting roles, platelets also participate in many other biological functions. They contribute to our immune system’s response to infection, aid in the restoration of damaged tissues, and play a part in inflammation, a body’s response to injury or illness. Hence, maintaining an optimal platelet count is essential to overall well-being.
The platelet count is a measure of the number of platelets in the blood, usually described in units of platelets per microliter of blood. It forms part of the Complete Blood Count (CBC), a common blood test undertaken in clinical practice.
The CBC procedure involves drawing a small volume of blood, typically from a vein in your arm. This blood sample is then analyzed in a lab for different elements, one of them being the platelet count. Advanced machines or manual microscopy may perform the counting.
Platelet count can fluctuate based on various factors, including age, gender, overall health, and individual lifestyle. It may also vary in response to certain medications or as a reaction to physical or emotional stress.
Platelet counts can change throughout a person’s life due to factors such as an aging immune system, pregnancy, or even the time of the day. However, values within the range of 150,000 to 450,000 platelets/microliter are generally regarded as healthy. Outside this range, suggestive of either thrombocytosis (high count) or thrombocytopenia (low count), medical attention might be required.
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains helps maintain a healthy platelets count. Conversely, excessive alcohol, tobacco, and a sedentary lifestyle may adversely affect it.
Physiological factors like stress, inflammation, infection, or lack of sleep can affect your platelet count. Furthermore, certain medications, like chemotherapy drugs, can result in a significant drop in platelet count.
A high platelet count or thrombocytosis can cause blood clots, leading to stroke, heart attack, or blockage in blood vessels.
On the other hand, low platelet count or thrombocytopenia can lead to excessive bleeding, both externally and internally, and may pose serious health risks.
Regular blood tests can detect abnormal platelet counts early, enabling timely intervention. In addition, maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and a stress-free lifestyle can help prevent abnormal platelet count.
As an integral part of CBC, platelet count acts as a vital diagnostic tool for several health conditions like leukemia, anemia, and viral infections. It also aids in the assessment of a person’s overall health status.
In chemotherapy patients, monitoring platelet count is crucial as these treatments often lead to a significant drop in the count, resulting in complications. Similarly, transplant patients also require regu…
The importance of understanding platelets and their count cannot be overstated. Variances in platelet count could signify underlying health conditions or adverse reactions to treatments, making regular monitoring paramount.
While diet and lifestyle adjustments can effectively manage minor fluctuations in platelet count, it is critical to seek professional medical advice for consistently abnormal counts. This will ensure that appropriate diagnostic tests are conducted, and necessary treatment plans are developed.
1. What does it mean when your platelet count is high?
A high platelet count, or thrombocytosis, could indicate an increased risk of clotting, leading to potentially serious health issues, such as stroke or heart attack. It might also signify an underlying condition like cancer, or be a reaction to specific medications.
2. What food increases platelet count?
Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as leafy greens, lean proteins, berries, oranges, and whole grains, can help boost platelet count. Avoiding alcohol and processed foods is also advisable.
3. Can stress cause high platelet count?
Chronic stress can potentially increase platelet count due to the release of stress hormones. This, however, is usually temporary and returns to normal once the stress is managed.
4. What are the symptoms of a low platelet count?
Low platelet count, or thrombocytopenia, can cause easy bruising, excessive bleeding from cuts, prolonged nosebleeds, and heavy menstrual periods. In severe cases, internal bleeding may occur.
5. Can you check your own platelet count at home?
Currently, home tests to check platelet count are not available. A blood test administered by a health professional is necessary to accurately determine platelet count.
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