Living With Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
If you have idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
(ITP):
- Stay away from medicines that may affect
platelets and increase your chance of bleeding. Common examples are aspirin or
ibuprofen. Be careful when using over-the-counter medicines, as many of them do
contain aspirin or ibuprofen. Tell your doctor about all of the
over-the-counter medicines you take, including vitamins, supplements, or herbal
remedies, as they could contain substances that increase your risk of bleeding.
- Avoid injuries that can cause bruising and
bleeding. Take precautions such as regular use of seatbelts and wearing gloves
when working with knives and other tools. If your child has ITP, protecting him
or her from injuries, especially head injuries that could cause bleeding in the
brain, is important. Ask your childs doctor whether you need to restrict
your childs activities.
- Find a doctor who is familiar with treating ITP
patients. Hematologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating
blood diseases and disorders.
- Watch for symptoms of infection, such as fever,
and report them to your doctor promptly. If you have had your spleen removed,
you may be more likely to become ill from certain types of infections. People
who have had a splenectomy should receive certain vaccinations to prevent these
infections. Your doctor can tell you which vaccinations you should have.
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in
Pregnancy
In women who are pregnant and have ITP, the ITP
usually doesnt affect the baby. However, some babies born to mothers with
ITP are born with or develop low numbers of platelets soon after birth. Their
platelets almost always return to normal without any treatment. Treatment can
speed the recovery in the few babies whose platelet counts are very low.
Treatment for ITP during pregnancy depends on the
womans platelet count. If treatment is needed, the doctor will take a
close look at the possible effects of the treatment on the unborn baby.
Women who have milder cases of ITP can usually go
through pregnancy without treatment. Pregnant women with very low platelet
counts or a lot of bleeding are more likely to have serious heavy bleeding
during delivery or afterward. To prevent serious bleeding, these women are
usually treated.
|