HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Is Platelet Count Of 120 A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Thu, 8 Dec 2016

Question: my platelet count was 135 last month. It is 120 this month but all my other labs were normal. I have no symptoms, however I do have a sinus infection right now. Why would my doctor send me to a specialist and is this something to be concerned about?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The platelet count does not signify anything serious.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
The platelet count on both occasions is on lower side.
However, there is nothing to worry since this will not cause any deleterious effect.
As suggested by your doctor, you should consult an ENT specialist for treatment of sinusitis.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (43 minutes later)

The doctor referred me to a specialist (hematologist) for the platelets not the sinus infection. If it is not serious, why would she refer me to a specialist? What would cause a deleterious effect? Do platelets fluctuate?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Platelets are low, however there is no risk of any bleed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
Platelet counts above 1 lakhs per cubic millimeter is not associated with any kind of bleeding.
It is not even a contraindication for any surgery.
In case there is drastic reduction in platelets from normal levels to low levels, then it needs thorough investigations.
A benign condition associated with low platelets is called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura which causes fall in platelets.
This condition is usually associated with fever.
For sinus infection, you need to consult your ENT specialist for clinical assessment and thus treatment.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (3 hours later)

Ok. So unless platelets go below the 1lakhs per cubic millimeter, there is no need for concern that there are any underlining issues to be concerned about? Its so much negative things on the Internet about low platelets that scare you. It says something has to be wrong. I have major anxiety over this. What should I expect from my visit with the hematologist?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You may visit hematologist to know any organic cause of low platelets

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
You may visit your hematologist to look for the organic cause of low platelets.
What I mean to specify is that these low numbers will not cause any serious side effect.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar