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Warning-sign checks

Thrombocytopenia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help for:

    • Bleeding that is heavy or does not stop with firm pressure
    • Vomiting blood or passing black, tar-like, or clearly bloody stools
    • A sudden severe headache, confusion, fainting, seizure, or new weakness
    • A head injury when you have severe thrombocytopenia
    • Heavy vaginal bleeding with dizziness, weakness, or fainting
    • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, or a painful swollen limb

    These symptoms may indicate significant bleeding or, in some conditions, a blood clot.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for new petechiae, frequent nosebleeds, worsening bruising, blood in the urine, unusually heavy periods, or bleeding that takes longer than usual to stop.

    During pregnancy, report new bleeding, severe headache, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, or sudden swelling promptly.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if a blood test shows a low platelet count but you feel well and have no significant bleeding.

    Follow-up helps confirm the result, compare it with previous counts, and investigate the cause.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Thrombocytopenia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.