What are the effects on people with thrombocytopenia?

Condition analysis:
Thrombocytopenia means less than normal platelets. Platelets are cells which play a crucial role in clot formation. Actually process of clot formation starts with recruitment of platelet at the site of injury and downstream changes which involves attracting more platelets which adhere to each other and stop bleeding. Clotting factors come into play a little later.

Low platelets means higher chances of bleeding. However the underlying cause of low platelet determines the overall prognosis. Most common cause of low platelet is Chronic Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia which can be effectively managed with drugs and if needed removal of spleen however low platelets due a condition called Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura carries overall a poor outcome. Small kids usually have Acute Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia which is transient.

Overall, having thrombocytopenia means you have to be under medications, do regular checkups and take a few precautions to minimize bleeding risks.

Instructions:
Lifestyle and home remedies
-- Avoid activities that could cause injury. Ask your doctor which activities are safe for you. Contact sports, such as boxing, martial arts and football, carry a high risk of injury.
-- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. Alcohol slows the production of platelets in your body. Ask your doctor whether it's OK for you to drink alcohol.
-- Use caution with over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) can impair platelet function.