Indian cricket team's opening batsman Shubman Gill is suffering from dengue, due to which he was not a part of the team in India's first match in the World Cup. According to recent media reports, during the health checkup on Sunday, his blood platelet count was less than one lakh per microliter, after which he was admitted to the hospital for some time. Although his health is fine now, sources say that there are doubts about his participation in some upcoming matches. He is under the supervision of doctors.
In severe cases of dengue, it is common to have a low platelet count or hemorrhagic fever, which can also cause serious health complications. Doctors say the risk of low platelet count is seen in most dengue patients. Do you know what platelets are in the blood and why it starts decreasing in dengue? If you are also a victim of infection, then what measures can be taken to improve it?
First, know what are blood platelets.
Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are small colorless cell fragments in our blood whose main function is to form clots and stop bleeding. Platelets are made in our bone marrow. The bone marrow contains stem cells that develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
The normal platelet count in adults is between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Platelets less than 150,000 platelets per microliter are considered below normal. When the platelets in your blood start decreasing, blood clots cannot form, due to which there is a risk of bleeding.
Why do platelets decrease in dengue?
Now the big question is why platelets start decreasing in dengue patients.
Health experts say a low platelet count is normal in severe cases of dengue, the main reason for this is that the infection suppresses your bone marrow, which reduces platelet production. Apart from this, due to virus infection in dengue, blood cells also start getting affected, due to which platelets also start decreasing. Apart from dengue, you may also have the problem of low platelets due to some underlying diseases, deficiency of vitamins in the body, and some blood-related diseases.
What happens when platelets decrease in dengue?
Health experts say that in most cases of dengue, the condition improves with normal treatment, however, there is a risk of the platelet count decreasing as the infection progresses and the disease becomes severe. In this condition, bleeding spots may appear on the skin and other parts of the body. Severe dengue conditions can seriously affect the lungs, liver, or heart. Due to low platelets, blood pressure starts decreasing which can cause shock.
What to do if platelets are low?
Health experts say, that if you have a dengue infection and platelets start decreasing then contact the doctor immediately. It requires treatment. Patients are especially advised to take care of hydration. Consumption of milk, green leafy vegetables, pomegranate, etc. can improve the condition of the disease. There is no evidence of improvement in platelets through home remedies, hence before following any treatment method, please consult a doctor.
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