Low platelets are one side of ITP

ITP is an autoimmune condition, which means your immune system attacks and destroys its own cells.

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. 

The impact of low platelets

Platelets are important for blood clotting. Having fewer platelets can lead to bleeding symptoms like:

• Easy or unexplained bruising
• Red or purple dots on arms and legs (petechiae)
• Nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums
• Heavy menstruation in women

But there is more to ITP

Beyond low platelet counts and bleeding, the impact of ITP can extend to other areas of daily life, such as:

Lifestyle impacts

• Energy levels/fatigue
• Brain fog (eg, memory and concentration issues)
• Anxiety about your condition

Long-term risks

• Small bleeds called microbleeds in the brain and body
• Risk of blood clots

 

The impact beyond platelets

When your immune system is overactive, it can cause inflammation throughout the body

• In studies, people with ITP have shown higher levels of inflammation than people without ITP
• Scientists think inflammation may contribute to fatigue in ITP
• Ongoing studies are looking closely at the role inflammation plays in fatigue and other symptoms of ITP