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Warning-sign checks

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura: 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

    Call emergency services for:

    • A sudden severe headache, confusion, unusual drowsiness, seizure, weakness, or trouble speaking
    • A significant head injury when you have a very low platelet count or active ITP
    • Bleeding that is severe or cannot be controlled
    • Collapse, severe breathing difficulty, or signs of shock such as cold, clammy skin
    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 urgent medical care for bleeding that is heavy, keeps restarting, or does not stop with firm pressure.

    Urgent assessment is also appropriate for blood in urine, black or bloody bowel movements, vomiting or coughing up blood, or menstrual bleeding accompanied by faintness, weakness, or shortness of breath.

    These symptoms do not automatically mean ITP has caused internal bleeding, but they require prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical advice if you develop new unexplained bruises, petechiae, repeated nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or menstrual bleeding that is heavier than usual.

    Contact your care team if known ITP symptoms are increasing, a treatment is causing side effects, or you start a new medicine or supplement.

The article also says

Tell your care team in advance about pregnancy, dental treatment, surgery, or an invasive procedure.

You may need a recent platelet count and a plan to limit bleeding.

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