What is Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura?
A condition that can lead to easy or excessive bruising and bleeding is known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The bleeding is a result of unusually low level of platelets, which are the cells that help the blood to clot. ITP which is also known as immune thrombocytopenic purpura affects adults as well as children. In children the condition often develops after a viral infection and they normally recover fully without treatment. But in adults the disorder often remains chronic.
What are the Symptoms of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura?
There may be no symptoms of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. But when the signs and symptoms do occur, they include:
- Easy or excessive bruising. The skin starts naturally bruising and bleeds more easily as you age. However, this should not be confused with ITP
- Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts
- Bleeding from nose
- Blood in urine or stools
- Unusual heavy menstrual flow
- Fatigue
Types of ITP
The ITP can be divided into two forms: acute ITP and chronic ITP. While acute ITP starts suddenly and usually follows a viral illness in a child, chronic ITP develops over time and is more long lasting and more common in adults.
Image courtesy: Getty Images
Read more on Understand Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura.