Health & Wellness

 ITP: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Diet

What is ITP?

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (thrombocytopenia meaning decreased number of platelets; purpura referring to purple discoloring of the skin) is a rare blood disorder that causes low platelet levels in your blood. Platelets are fragments in the blood that help in clotting. A decrease in platelets can cause bleeding gums, easy bruising and internal bleeding. In people with ITP, the body produces antibodies against its own platelets because it thinks of them as antigens (foreign substances).

It is classified into two following types-

Acute thrombocytopenic purpura is the most common form of the ITP disorder. It usually affects young children between the ages of 2 to 7 years old. Acute ITP does not recur and the symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks.

Chronic thrombocytopenic purpura is commonly seen in adults, but it can affect teenagers also. Chronic ITP can recur and the symptoms can last a minimum of 6 months, several years or a lifetime.

What causes ITP?

In ITP, the body is determined to destroy its own platelets, instead of infections by producing antibodies against the platelets. This defect can be a result of any of the following:

Medications: medicines such as over- the- counter medicines (bought without proper prescription) can cause allergies in the body that cross- react with the platelets.

Infections: In case of a viral infection, the viruses present in the body can cause antibodies to cross- react with platelets.

Immune disorders: People having disorders such as Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are said to be at a higher risk for ITP.

What are the symptoms of ITP?

Since ITP is characterized by reduced number of platelets leading to excessive bleeding, the symptoms are to related to increased bleeding. However, each person may experience symptoms differently.

Some common symptoms include:

-  Appearance of bruises at the joints just from the movement

-  Tiny red dots under the skin as a result of tiny bleeds

-  Nosebleeds

-  Bleeding gums

-  Heavy menstrual periods

-  Blood in the vomit, urine, or stool

-  Bleeding in head

What to eat and what not to eat?

One cannot cure ITP with a specialized diet, but eating well can help you manage your symptoms and avoid complications. Here is a brief list of things you should and shouldn’t eat.

An ideal diet for ITP should include:

-  Whole fruits

-  Vegetables (especially leafy greens)

-  Skinless poultry (chicken breast and ground turkey)

-  Fish (salmon)

-  Healthy fats (olive oil and avocado)

-  Nuts and nut butter

-  Whole grains

-  Eggs

While there aren’t any products that are off- limits for people with ITP, certain food should be avoided in order to focus on a healthy diet.

Food to avoid may include:

-  Ultra- processed foods like fast food

-  Food and beverages high in added sugars (candies and sodas)

-  Processed meats (bacon and pepperoni)

-  Fried foods (fries and fried chicken)

Please note that if you suffer from any other diseases or allergies along with ITP, you must consult your doctor before making any changes in your diet.

How to treat ITP?

Specific treatment for immune thrombocytopenic purpura will be determined by your health care provider on the basis of your:

-  Age

-  Overall health

-  Medical history

-  Extent of the disease

-  Your choice/ preference

When treatment is necessary, the two most commonly used treatments are described below:

-  Steroids: help prevent bleeding by reducing the rate of platelet destruction. If effective, the results are seen within a few weeks. The symptoms may include irritability, stomach infection, weight gain and acne.

-  Intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG): is a protein that contains many antibodies and also works by reducing platelet destruction. The result in this case, is seen with a few hours.

Other treatments for may include:

-  Rh immune globulin: This medication temporarily stops the spleen from destroying the platelets. One must be Rh positive and have a spleen for this medication to be effective.

-  Splenectomy: It is a procedure in which the spleen is removed by surgery, since it is the most active site of platelet destruction

-  Platelet transfusion: In case of severe bleeding or people that need to go into surgery, platelet transfusion may be required.

-  Medication changes: If it is a medication that has caused the disease, discontinuation or changing that medicine is required.

-  Lifestyle changes: These can include making sure that you use a protective gear and that you avoid certain activities.

Chanchal | Life Within