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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does This Variation In Platelet Count Indicate For Alcoholism?

I am a recovering, (6 months) alcoholic and 1 year ago I had a platelet count in the mid 450,000 now for the last 6 months my platelet count seems to be around 61,000. I don t have any bleeding gums, or bleed much when I cut myself. I don t bruise easily either. I have gone through a bout of bedbugs in my apartment but not a huge infestation. I am also on blood pressure meds and meds for acid reflux. Can any of these contribute to my low platelet count?
Tue, 2 May 2023
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Several factors can contribute to a low platelet count, or thrombocytopenia, in individuals with a history of alcoholism. Chronic alcohol use can damage the bone marrow, where platelets are produced, leading to decreased platelet production. Alcoholism can also lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B12 and folate, which are important for the production of healthy blood cells, including platelets.

In addition, medications can also contribute to a low platelet count. In some cases, blood pressure and acid reflux medications have been associated with thrombocytopenia.

Bedbug infestations are not known to directly cause a low platelet count. However, if you have been bitten by bedbugs, this can cause itching and scratching can lead to small cuts or abrasions on the skin. If your platelet count is low, this could result in prolonged bleeding or difficulty with clotting at these sites.

It is important to note that a platelet count of 61,000 is considered very low, and individuals with this level of thrombocytopenia may be at increased risk of bleeding, particularly if they are injured or have surgery. If you are experiencing any symptoms of bleeding, such as easy bruising or prolonged bleeding from cuts, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing to determine the cause of your low platelet count, such as a bone marrow biopsy or blood tests to evaluate for nutritional deficiencies. Treatment options may include medications to stimulate platelet production, transfusions of platelets, or addressing underlying medical conditions, such as alcoholism or nutritional deficiencies.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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What Does This Variation In Platelet Count Indicate For Alcoholism?

Hi, Several factors can contribute to a low platelet count, or thrombocytopenia, in individuals with a history of alcoholism. Chronic alcohol use can damage the bone marrow, where platelets are produced, leading to decreased platelet production. Alcoholism can also lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B12 and folate, which are important for the production of healthy blood cells, including platelets. In addition, medications can also contribute to a low platelet count. In some cases, blood pressure and acid reflux medications have been associated with thrombocytopenia. Bedbug infestations are not known to directly cause a low platelet count. However, if you have been bitten by bedbugs, this can cause itching and scratching can lead to small cuts or abrasions on the skin. If your platelet count is low, this could result in prolonged bleeding or difficulty with clotting at these sites. It is important to note that a platelet count of 61,000 is considered very low, and individuals with this level of thrombocytopenia may be at increased risk of bleeding, particularly if they are injured or have surgery. If you are experiencing any symptoms of bleeding, such as easy bruising or prolonged bleeding from cuts, you should seek medical attention immediately. Your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing to determine the cause of your low platelet count, such as a bone marrow biopsy or blood tests to evaluate for nutritional deficiencies. Treatment options may include medications to stimulate platelet production, transfusions of platelets, or addressing underlying medical conditions, such as alcoholism or nutritional deficiencies. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician