Where people with ITP, healthcare professionals, and caregivers get and give advice.
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If you suffer from frequent nosebleeds, running a humidifier and using saline (salt) nasal sprays to moisten the nasal lining can help reduce the frequency.
Samuel M. Silver, MD, PhD
Castle Connolly Top Doctor; Assistant Dean for Research, Professor of Internal Medicine/Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School Healthcare provider for ITP Male
4
Eat a Mediterranean diet, meaning mostly fruits and vegetables and lean protein like chicken and fish. Limit the amount of pork, red meat, and processed foods you ea ... read more
Wendy Ellis, ND
Seattle-based practitioner Healthcare provider for ITP Female
2
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
How do you control spontaneous bleeding? Tell us the tricks you use or items you keep on hand for ITP.
Exercise is essential, but you need to be very aware of the risks associated with falling or getting injured. I advise working with a physical therapist or occupatio ... read more
Ginger Hultin, RD
ChampagneNutrition, Seattle; Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Healthcare provider for ITP Female
3
If you have a lot of stress in your life, commit to exercise and a mindfulness practice.
Jenny Bennett, ND
Aria Integrative in Seattle; www.ariaintegrative.com Healthcare provider for ITP Female
3
My son has chronic ITP and when his platelet numbers are under 70,000, we are very cautious about activities that he could potentially get hurt from. When that is th ... read more
EvanJace
Care Partner for ITP Age: 30 Female
4
If you have a low platelet count, I don’t think it’s the best thing to go out and play tackle football. At the same time, even if your platelet count is very low, th ... read more
Terry B. Gernsheimer, MD
Hematologist and professor of medicine and hematology at UW Medicine in Seattle Healthcare provider for ITP
4
I was diagnosed with ITP at the age of 12, and since then I have been living with this rare immunity disorder. So here I am to share a few tips with the brave hearts ... read more
Ipsita
Living with ITP Age: 20 Female
2
Fast Fact
ITP is relatively rare, affecting an estimated 9.5 out of every 100,000 adults in the U.S.
National Organization for Rare Disorders
<p>ITP is relatively rare, affecting an estimated 9.5 out of every 100,000 adults in the U.S. </p>When my patients ask, I say, not facetiously, look both ways before crossing the street. I think that is good advice whether one’s platelet count is low or normal. A ... read more
Samuel M. Silver, MD, PhD
Castle Connolly Top Doctor; Assistant Dean for Research, Professor of Internal Medicine/Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School Healthcare provider for ITP Male
2
Be careful not to bump into doorways, sharp corners, etc. Having ITP means it's easy to bruise. I have found that "rubbing" the spot if you bump it does help. The ol ... read more
Care Partner for ITP Age: 90 Female
4
Most forms of physical activity are safe for the majority of people who have ITP. You just need to be more deliberate about how you’re participating in your sport. F ... read more
Claudia Tellez, MD
Hematologist and oncologist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago Healthcare provider for ITP
3
Fatigue is part of ITP, especially when your platelets are low. Some days you just won't have the energy to do a lot, and that is okay!
RareCandace
Living with ITP Age: 34 Female More than 5 years
5
Drink lots of water and meditate.
chelle
Care Partner for ITP Age: 31 Female
4
When you have an attack on your platelets, which is what ITP causes, be aware that there are activities you should avoid -- like riding motorcycles, playing rugby, a ... read more
Gwen Nichols, MD
Chief Medical Officer of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Healthcare provider for ITP Female
1
Meet with a registered dietitian so you have your unique dietary needs calculated and get advice for a nutritional plan that is right for your specific needs.
Ginger Hultin, RD
ChampagneNutrition, Seattle; Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Healthcare provider for ITP Female
2
If your general practitioner has diagnosed you with a bleeding disorder and you live in a place where it’s hard to find a hematologist, you can get the care you need ... read more
Samuel M. Silver, MD, PhD
Castle Connolly Top Doctor; Assistant Dean for Research, Professor of Internal Medicine/Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School Healthcare provider for ITP Male
4
Medications like aspirin or ibuprofen, and some supplements like fish oil, alter the way platelets work, and so they can potentially put someone at increased risk fo ... read more
Claudia Tellez, MD
Hematologist and oncologist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago Healthcare provider for ITP
4
Fast Fact
ITP can be chronic or acute, but adults are more likely to develop the chronic type.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
<p>ITP can be chronic or acute, but adults are more likely to develop the chronic type.</p>Some of the most common signs of ITP (low platelet counts) are frequent nosebleeds that last for more than 15 minutes. If this is the case, call your doctor.
Samuel M. Silver, MD, PhD
Castle Connolly Top Doctor; Assistant Dean for Research, Professor of Internal Medicine/Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School Healthcare provider for ITP Male
3
Take a nap, and drink at least 6 oz of water everyday.
Living with ITP Age: 70
0
Poll
Does food help you manage ITP?
Many people who have bleeding disorders, including low platelet counts, don’t require any therapy. For those with low platelet counts, you should, however, make sure ... read more
Samuel M. Silver, MD, PhD
Castle Connolly Top Doctor; Assistant Dean for Research, Professor of Internal Medicine/Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School Healthcare provider for ITP Male
3