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10 signs of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

10 signs of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare, life-threatening blood disorder. People with TTP develop blood clots in small blood vessels throughout the body. The complication could limit or block blood flow to the organs, such as the kidneys, brain, and heart. The phenomenon may further prevent the organs from functioning appropriately and lead to permanent damage. This makes it essential to identify the warning signs of TTP and seek treatment at the earliest.

Signs and symptoms of TTP
Bleeding into the skin or mucous membranes
Since TTP causes increased clotting, more blood platelets might get used up. As a result, it could lead to bleeding underneath the skin or mucous membranes. Those who develop this sign may notice tiny red or purple dots called petechiae on their skin. The dots on the skin may resemble a rash and be misidentified for other health conditions. This is why one must consult with an expert immediately if they have no underlying health complications.

Poor blood circulation
An individual might develop poor blood circulation when there are insufficient healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to other parts of the body’s organs. It may develop due to a poor meal regime that lacks iron, which causes anemia. However, one may also experience this if they suffer from TTP. It may occur because the red blood cells are broken into pieces as they squeeze around blood clots. Healthcare experts may use a Coombs test to determine the cause of hemolytic anemia. A negative result indicates that TTP is the cause of anemia and its associated symptoms, like poor blood circulation.

Fatigue
One may feel fatigued for multiple reasons, including age, extensive exercise, and staying up late. There are also certain sleep disorders and conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy that trigger these symptoms. One should note that fatigue is also associated with TTP. It may trigger conditions like anemia by lowering the number of red cells in the blood due to red cells getting ruptured by the clots in the small blood vessels. And when the body lacks iron, it cannot make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body. Its lack thereof means that oxygen does not reach the necessary tissues and muscles, depriving them of energy and ultimately causing fatigue.

Confusion
We’ve already established that TTP may lead to several blood clots all over the body. Therefore, someone affected by this condition might also suffer from complications and symptoms associated with the brain. One of the most common signs in this regard is an individual who feels confused out of the ordinary, which results from blood clots. This may come and go and also vary in severity. If one notices this unusual sign, without any underlying cause, they should speak to a healthcare professional immediately as they can conduct a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments.

Shortness of breath
Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is when one cannot get enough air into the lungs. One might feel like the chest is tight and gasp for air or work harder to breathe. There are many health conditions and environmental factors associated with shortness of breath, which could make it difficult to diagnose. However, it might also be triggered by anemia caused by the TTP-linked breakdown of healthy red blood cells.

Blood in the urine
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is considered a potential symptom of TTP. The signs might be visible easily or require microscopic analysis by a healthcare professional. The condition affects various organs in the body, including the kidneys. Damage to this organ could lead to a urinary tract infection, which stems from the kidneys or bladder and is a common cause of microscopic hematuria. Therefore, one should consult a healthcare professional about the sign to diagnose its exact cause.

Paresthesias
Paresthesias describes the sensation of tingling, prickling, burning, itching, skin-crawling, or numbness underneath the skin. It may occur without any external cause or warning. While most of its causes are harmless and reflect how the body usually works, some people might experience it because of TTP. It could occur due to nerve damage or brain alterations that occur due to the blood disorder. Therefore, someone who notices the sign more frequently should consult a healthcare professional.

Visual disturbances
Someone at risk of TTP may also develop visual disturbances. The disorders may sometimes affect organs like the eyes. As a result, individuals may experience ocular symptoms, such as acute loss of vision due to retinal pathology. They may also notice symptoms like diplopia if the cranial nerves are affected. Others might see signs like blurring of vision. One should also bear in mind that visual disturbances may occur due to other health conditions, like diabetes, and surface as one grows older.

Seizures
Sudden, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in the brain are called seizures. This may also trigger other changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and level of consciousness. While there are other causes of a seizure, it might be triggered by TTP. Once the disorder limits or blocks blood flow to organs like the brain, the communication between nerve cells might get disrupted. As a result, one might experience symptoms like seizures. Such signs must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional immediately.

Yellowing of the eyes and skin
If someone experiences the yellowing of their eyes and skin, it might indicate jaundice triggered by TTP. The liver removes old blood cells from the body, which creates bilirubin. It also helps break down this and allows it to be removed through stools. Jaundice may occur when there is too much bilirubin buildup in the body. This may occur when there is an excessive number of red blood cells dying or breaking down and going to the liver, which might be triggered by TTP. The symptom requires immediate attention, diagnosis, and treatment.

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