Low platelets are one side of ITP
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune condition, which means your immune system attacks and destroys its own cells in multiple ways.
Platelets are necessary for blood clotting. In ITP, your immune system destroys healthy platelets in the spleen and/or liver. It also limits the production of new platelets in your bone marrow.
Bleeding and bruising—what to expect with ITP
If you are living with ITP, then you understand that having fewer platelets can lead to bleeding symptoms, such as:
- Easy or unexplained bruising
- Red or purple dots on arms and legs (petechiae)
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding gums
- Heavy menstruation in women
But ITP can affect more than just your platelets
Beyond low platelet counts and bleeding, the impact of ITP can extend to other areas of daily life, such as:
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Anxiety and worry about your condition
- Brain fog, including trouble with memory and concentration
- Loss of productivity
Inflammation may play a role in ITP
When the immune system is overactive, it can cause inflammation throughout the body.
Studies have shown people with ITP have high levels of inflammation, higher than people without ITP. Scientists think inflammation may contribute to fatigue in ITP.
How ITP may fuel inflammation and symptoms
The Spark
In ITP, the immune system, meant to protect the body, mistakenly targets platelets—as if they were invaders, attacking them and destroying them.
The Flame
As platelets are destroyed, the immune system ramps up and remains active continuing its assault on platelets. This releases inflammatory markers, like wind fanning flames.
The Blaze
What started as a misfire turns into a self-sustaining blaze—the blaze affects the body's balance by continuing to attack healthy platelets, decreasing the production of new platelets, and possibly fueling inflammation. This cycle may be linked to symptoms of ITP such as fatigue.
The Smolder
Although treatment may attempt to extinguish the flame by increasing platelet levels, this ITP cycle may persist and symptoms may continue to flare up.
Ongoing studies are looking closely at the role that inflammation may play in fatigue and other symptoms of ITP, and to better address the underlying cause of the disease.
Next: Beyond Platelets
The impact of ITP goes beyond what you see—learn how it can affect energy, mental clarity, and emotions.
