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What is the full form of ITP?
ITP stands for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. Also known as immune thrombocytopenic purpura, it is a bleeding condition where the amount of platelets greatly reduces. This condition usually occurs when the immune system of an individual starts functioning against its own body and starts killing the platelets that help in natural clotting.
Lack of platelets in the blood can cause a person to bleed or bruise quickly and can affect any age group but is more common in females.
Types of ITP
ITP is of two types:
1. Chronic ITP: Long-lasting and can persist for six months or more. Usually occurs in adults and is more common in females.
2. Acute ITP: Temporary and short-term and can persist for six months or less. Usually affects children and happens due to viral infection.
Symptoms of ITP
Following are some symptoms of ITP:
- Severe bleeding
- Bruising due to under-skin bleeding
- Blood in stool or urine
- Bleeding gums
- Excessive menstrual bleeding
Diagnosis for ITP
Following are some diagnosis methods for ITP:
- CBC (Complete blood count): A blood test that evaluates the count of platelets and blood cells.
- Bone marrow examination: It verifies the platelet count in the bone marrow.
Treatment for ITP
- Doctors provide drugs that focus on increasing the number of platelets in the body or slowing the loss of platelets.
- Acute ITP lasts for only a few weeks or months.
- Drugs are often the first course in treatment.
- Only regular monitoring and medication are necessary for mild symptoms of ITP.
- Medications decrease as the platelet count increases.
- Spleen is extracted to slow or stop the loss of the platelets in extreme cases of ITP.