WHAT IS ITP?
ITP stands for Immune thrombocytopenia, which is an autoimmune disorder and results in low platelet levels in the blood. In this condition, the body’s own immune system starts attacking the platelets- the cells that help in blood clotting.
ITP can lead to bleeding or bruising more than usual due to a lack of platelets in the blood.
Earlier, ITP disease is recognized as Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in which the word “idiopathic” means no exact reason. The actual reason behind the ITP was not known before but now doctors found that the platelet count decreases due to abnormal functioning of the immune system.
In children, ITP may get developed after a viral infection and normally lasts for less than 6 months. While in adults, the ITP disease lasts for six months or longer. Young women are more commonly affected by the ITP.
SYMPTOMS OF ITP
Immune thrombocytopenia shows no signs and symptoms at an earlier stage but symptoms are starting to appear as the condition becomes severe. When the symptoms occur, they may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the stools
- Easy or excessive bruising
- Unusually heavy menstrual flow
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as pin-point sized reddish-purple spots that appears like a rash, more commonly on the lower legs
CAUSES BEHIND ITP
The main cause responsible for the development of ITP is the abnormal functioning of the immune system. When the body’s immune system starts to attack and destroy the platelets mistakenly, it results in a decrease in the platelet counts.
In adults, HIV, Hepatitis, or H.pylori may trigger the abnormal functioning of the immune system. While in children, the ITP follows a viral illness like the flu or mumps.
RISK FACTORS OF ITP
Here are some factors which can increase the risk of developing ITP. Take a look at these factors and know if you are also at risk!
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Antiphospholipid syndrome
- Lupus
If you’re suffering from any of the above-mentioned diseases, then you are more susceptible to ITP.
COMPLICATIONS
The major complication associated with the ITP is bleeding into the brain, which can end in death. If you’re pregnant, and your platelet count is very low then there are many chances of bleeding heavily while delivery.
Taking proper treatment of ITP at the correct time can avoid these complications and avoid the worsening of the disease.
DOES ITP COME BACK?
The patients suffering from ITP have a curiosity about knowing if the ITP comes again or not after taking complete treatment. Here you get all your answers.
The ITP can come back depending upon the type of ITP, which are:
- Acute ITP
- Persistent ITP
- Chronic ITP
Acute ITP is also known as newly onset ITP and it is the most common type of ITP. Acute ITP develops suddenly and its symptoms remain for 3 months or less. Mainly, the children suffer from this type of ITP and there is no need for treatment. Acute ITP doesn’t come back once it gets treated.
However, Persistent ITP can last for a time period of 3 to 12 months. Proper treatment for this type of ITP is necessary to be taken but it can come again after the treatment.
Chronic ITP can affect the body for 12 months and more. This type is more common in adults and needs effective treatment. But chronic ITP may also develop again once it went. Symptoms begin gradually and can impact body functioning for up to several years.
HOW ONE CAN KNOW IF ITP RETURNS?
Patients suffering from ITP are not much able to observe symptoms at the initial stages even when their platelet cells are lower than normal values. But the symptoms begin to develop as the disease becomes severe. The symptoms of redeveloped ITP are almost the same as when you were first diagnosed.
Observe the following symptoms in your body if you think chronic ITP comes again:
- Blood in urine or stools
- Blood blisters inside the mouth
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Bleeding around gums
- Excessive or easy bruising
- A severe headache or blurred vision may be due to bleeding in the brain
CONCLUSION
As we read above, several types of ITP can reoccur after being fully treated, the need is to stay alert and observe signs and symptoms of again developed ITP. If you find any symptoms of ITP again, immediately visit a doctor’s clinic or you can consult an Ayurveda expert doctor online by dialing +917743002519 or visit www.avedaayur.com
You can also get the diet chart for the ITP patients as knowing about the diet plan for ITP which are good or bad is mandatory to recover from ITP in a paced manner.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1: Why is platelet transfusion contraindicated in ITP?
Ans: Platelet transfusions are not allowed in ITP (because of their rapid destruction by the underlying auto-immune process). But in the case of severe or life-threatening bleeding, transfused platelets may support temporary hemostatic benefit.
Q2: Can ITP cause death?
Ans: Yes, ITP can take your life. Extremely rare but life-threatening complications of the ITP such as common cold (that may develop pneumonia), strep throat, loss of blood, chickenpox, bleeding in the brain may put your life at risk.
Q3: Does ITP run in families?
Ans: No, ITP can’t run into the families. ITP doesn’t seem to be hereditary as it doesn’t pass from parent to child. ITP is also not contagious as it can’t get a transfer from one person to another.
Q4: How to cure ITP naturally?
Ans: Taking Ayurvedic treatment is the only way to cure ITP in a completely natural manner. Ayurveda medicines are prepared with the extract of herbs having natural healing properties. You can choose the Ayurvedic medicines of Life Aveda to get highly positive results.
Q5: Is ITP a serious disease?
Ans: In most people, ITP isn’t serious or life-threatening. In children, acute ITP often resolves within 6 months without taking treatment. While the symptoms of chronic ITP can last up to 12 months or more. Patients can live for many years with ITP, even those are serious cases.
Q6: Can I live a normal life with ITP?
Ans: ITP is a challenging situation and the ITP patients have to keep themselves safe from any activity that may result in bleeding. Once the bleeding starts, it takes more time to stop due to low platelet levels.