Immune thrombocytopenia, also called ITP, is a disorder of the blood in which there is a shortage of platelets, or blood cells that are responsible for normal clotting, according to MedlinePlus. As a result of this shortage, blood does not clot as it should.
In a healthy person, platelets clump together to seal off cuts and injuries to blood vessels, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But when platelet levels are too low, bleeding can occur both internally and externally.
There are two types of ITP: acute ITP, which is short-term, and chronic ITP. Acute ITP is the more common type and mainly happens in children who have had a recent viral infection. It usually lasts no more than six months.
Chronic ITP is mostly seen in adults and lasts beyond six months. It is thought to be caused by an autoimmune response in which your own immune system turns on itself and destroys platelets when it is not supposed to. Doctors have yet to figure out why this happens.
Signs You May Have ITP
In some cases, ITP can occur with no symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms may begin to appear when platelet levels are very low. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), symptoms of ITP can include:
Bruising or purple spots on the skin that occur very easily or for no known reason. These bruises are called purpura and may also appear in the mouth.
Small red dots that resemble a rash. These dots, called petechiae, are actually caused by bleeding underneath the skin as a result of damage to blood vessels or leaks in a capillary wall.
Frequent nosebleeds that are difficult to stop.
Bleeding from the gums
Unusually long menstrual cycle or heavy menstrual bleeding
Hematoma, or a pooling of clotted or partially clotted blood under the skin. A hematoma can cause pain and swelling.
Blood in urine, stool, or vomit
Mental Health Effects of ITP
According to the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA), the excessive bleeding that comes with ITP can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of red blood cells. In people with anemia, there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues. This often results in extreme fatigue and low energy levels.
Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are also common in people with ITP, the PDSA reports. This can lead to social anxiety and difficulties concentrating at work or school. It’s not known whether these are symptoms of the disease itself, the result of anxiety, or side effects of medication.
Symptoms of Brain Bleeds
In rare cases, ITP can lead to a brain bleed, or intracranial hemorrhage, according to NORD.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of brain bleeds may include:
Sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg, especially if it is on one side of the body
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Dizziness
Confusion
Difficulty swallowing
Trouble seeing or loss of vision
Slurred speech
Loss of balance
Seizures
Sensitivity to light
Stiff neck
Trouble reading, writing, or understanding speech
Difficulty breathing
Loss of consciousness
An intracranial hemorrhage is a medical emergency and can be fatal. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, it is important to get to your local emergency room immediately.
