Introduction
Thrombocytosis is when you have too many platelets (thrombocytes) in your blood. Platelets are parts of blood that stick together and form a clot (thrombus) to help your body stop bleeding. Some conditions that cause inflammation, such as cancer, may trigger your body to make more platelets than normal.
There are two types of thrombocytosis. Primary or essential thrombocytosis happens when abnormal cells in the bone marrow make too many platelets. Reactive thrombocytosis happens when a condition like an infection or an injury causes too many platelets to form.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of primary thrombocytosis is not known. Reactive thrombocytosis may be caused by:
Having your spleen surgically removed (splenectomy).
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Your platelet count may return to normal after treating the cause. If your platelet count is very high, you may have to take medicines to prevent blood clots.
Follow these instructions at home:
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Avoid taking ibuprofen medicines. These medicines can thin your blood or interact with your other medicines.
Tell all health care providers, including dentists, about any medicines you are taking to prevent blood clots.
Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
Ask your health care provider about managing or preventing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. These conditions can make thrombocytosis worse.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
You have severe pain, and medicines do not help.
You have problems taking your medicines to prevent blood clots.
You have a headache that you cannot control.
You faint.
Get help right away if:
You have bleeding or blood clots.
You have unusual bruising on your body.
You have bloody or tarry stools.
You have pink or bloody