What are the Symptoms of High Platelet Count and the Treatment for High Platelet Count?

High Platelet Count: Symptoms and Treatment

Platelets are tiny blood cells that play a crucial role in blood clotting. They help prevent excessive bleeding when an injury occurs. A normal platelet count ranges between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A high platelet count, also known as thrombocytosis, occurs when the number of platelets in the blood is above the normal range. This condition can be due to several underlying medical conditions or may develop without a clear cause. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of high platelet count and the various treatment options available.

Symptoms of High Platelet Count

In many cases, people with a high platelet count may not experience any symptoms. However, some people may develop the following symptoms:

Fatigue: People with high platelet count may experience excessive fatigue, weakness or a general feeling of being unwell.

Headache: Headaches can be a common symptom of high platelet count.

Shortness of breath: In severe cases, high platelet count can lead to shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

Chest pain: Chest pain may occur as a result of high platelet count, especially if the condition is accompanied by shortness of breath.

Blood clots: High platelet count can increase the risk of developing blood clots. Blood clots can lead to serious health problems such as stroke or heart attack.

Easy bruising: People with high platelet count may experience easy bruising or have tiny red dots on their skin.

Diagnosis of High Platelet Count

A high platelet count is usually diagnosed through a blood test. The doctor will examine the results of the blood test to determine if the number of platelets in the blood is above the normal range. Other tests such as a bone marrow biopsy or a computed tomography (CT) scan may also be performed to identify the underlying cause of the high platelet count.

Treatment for High Platelet Count

The treatment for high platelet count depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, no treatment is necessary if the high platelet count is not causing any symptoms. In other cases, the following treatments may be recommended:

Medications: Medications such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help lower the platelet count.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can be used to treat certain underlying medical conditions that cause high platelet count.

Steroids: Steroids can be used to reduce inflammation and decrease the production of platelets.

Plateletpheresis: Plateletpheresis is a procedure in which excess platelets are removed from the blood. This treatment is often used for people with severe thrombocytosis or for those who are at a high risk of developing blood clots.

Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of high platelet count.

Lifestyle changes: Making certain lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and losing weight can help lower the platelet count.

In conclusion, high platelet count is a medical condition that can increase the risk of developing serious health problems. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of high platelet count. The treatment for high platelet count depends on the underlying cause of the condition and may involve medications, chemotherapy, steroids, plateletpheresis, surgery, or lifestyle changes.