Low platelets are usually experienced by people with dengue fever. However, this condition is not only caused by dengue fever. There are various conditions that trigger low platelets.
Platelets function to clot blood and prevent bleeding. If the platelets are low, then the risk of bleeding increases. What causes low platelets and how to treat it? Check out the following reviews.
Causes of Low Platelets
There are various conditions that trigger a reduced number of platelets, namely:
1. Reduced production of platelets
Platelets are produced by stem cells along with red blood cells and white blood cells. If the cells are disturbed, platelets are also disturbed. The following conditions trigger the disorder:
- Aplastic anemia
Although rarely found, aplastic anemia needs to be watched out for. Aplastic anemia is a condition where there are not enough red blood cells needed. This is triggered because the bone marrow is not optimal, so that the platelets are reduced.
- Cancer
Bone marrow disorders trigger blood-related cancers. As a result, reducing the function and performance of stem cells. This damage is exacerbated by cancer healing procedures, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Medication side effects
The use of drugs can trigger a low platelet count, such as ibuprofen, diuretics, and aspirin. This is because these drugs can inhibit the production of platelets.
- Viral infection
A decrease in the number of platelets can also be triggered by a virus, for example the virus that causes dengue hemorrhagic fever. Viral infections that trigger other diseases, such as HIV, AIDS, and chicken pox, also carry a risk of causing low platelet counts.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
Exposure to life-threatening chemicals, such as arsenic and pesticides, carries a high risk of slowing down the production of platelets, resulting in low numbers.
2. Autoimmune disease
Autoimmune is a disorder in which healthy cells are disabled by the immune system, including stem cells. For people with thrombocytopenia, the body’s immune system paralyzes platelets, thereby reducing their number. Autoimmune diseases that make low platelets, including lupus, rheumatism, and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
3. Pregnancy
Another trigger for a decrease in the number of platelets is pregnancy. In fact, a low platelet count usually occurs when pregnant women are about to give birth. However, it is not known for sure what causes low platelet counts in pregnant women.
How to Increase Platelet Levels Naturally
In cases of decreased platelets that are not severe, you can increase platelets by eating the following nutritious foods:
- Foods high in iron
Iron is needed for the production of red blood cells, so it is effective in increasing the number of platelets. Foods that are sources of iron are red meat, whole grains, potatoes, spinach, tofu, and nuts. Consult with your doctor about the right type of food and iron dosage according to your condition.
- Guava
Guava efficacious to optimize the increase in the number of platelets. Thanks to these properties, guava juice is often given to people with dengue fever to speed healing.
- Papaya leaf
Papaya leaves also need to be eaten to increase platelets, because it can prevent damage to platelet cells by viruses.
- Folate
Folate is a nutrient needed to increase platelets. Various foods high in folate, including beef liver, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, and red beans.
If the platelets are still low after eating the foods above, see a doctor immediately.
