ITP Blood Disorder

It can sometimes be strenuous to comprehend disorders of the blood especially on the occasions when it is difficult to pronounce the name of the disorder. Using this one as an example, break it down by syllable and you have a pretty good grasp of how to pronounce it. The same can be said about the blood disorder, by breaking it down step-by-step it makes it alto easier to comprehend.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a bleeding disorder in which the blood is unable to clot in the proper manner. The reason for the difficulty in clotting is that there is an insufficient number of the blood cell called, "platelets" or "thrombocytes". These thrombocytes are manufactured inside your large bones, specifically in the marrow of the bone together with white blood cells and red blood cells. The role associated with platelets is that they clump together when necessary to stop bleeding and seal cuts or other wounds in order to stop the bleeding caused by these injuries or when someone undergoes surgery. The term Idiopathic is an adjective used primarily in medicine meaning arising spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause. Purpura refers to the purple bruises caused by the bleeding just under the skin. A hematoma (swelling) caused by the bleeding is also a hallmark for the disorder.

Symptoms exhibited by a person with the disorder are purple bruises on the skin and in some cases on the mucous membranes in the mouth. Occasionally there might be petechiae which are red or purple dots on the skin that resembles a rash, this usually occurs on the lower leg. Frequent prolong nosebleeds are usually another symptom of ITP blood disorder. Most women with ITP may complain of heavier than normal menstrual that contain inch long blood clots. It can also happen that when they have dental work performed, their gums will bleed more so than normal. The cause of ITP is not certain, but one theory is that the immune system which is suppose to fight off infections and diseases attacks and destroys the body's platelets instead.

Like other blood disorders there is more than one type of ITP. The first type is an acute ITP that is temporary or short-term and the 2nd type of ITP is chronic or long-lasting. The acute ITP may last for 6 months or less and occurs predominantly in children, both male and female. It usually appears after a viral infection. The chronic type of ITP lasts longer than 6 months and affects mostly adults affecting more females than males. The treatment for all types of ITP depends on what the platelet blood count is. Moderate cases of ITP will not require any treatment.

ITP is usually not terminal as generally the platelet count will return to normal within 6 months. If the ITP does not go away after 6 months, treatment may be necessary. Chronic ITP can last for over 6 months and as long as a couple of years. A lot of the individuals diagnosed with ITP can have platelet counts that return to normal and then can lead normal lives, living for decades.

There is always monitoring of symptoms and platelet counts. Extreme cases of ITP may require medication such as Corticosteroids such as prednisone. These medications help to increase the platelet count by lowering the immune system. Immune globulin and anti-Rh (D) immunoglobulin are administered by needle.

In serious instances the doctor may decide to take out the spleen, or maybe give platelet transfusions. If an infection exists, medication is given to fight the infection. Persons that have ITP shouldn't take aspirin or ibuprofen as they are regular over-the-counter medications that have the side effect of decreasing platelet function and can increase bleeding.