What is ITP (low platelets)?

ITP stands for immune thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia means a low number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are tiny blood cells that help your blood clot and stop bleeding. In ITP, your immune system makes antibodies by mistake that attack your own platelets. Antibodies are proteins that normally fight germs. The spleen, an organ on the upper left side of your belly, then removes these marked platelets. The immune system can also slow down how many platelets your bone marrow makes.

When should I call my care team?

Bleeding that will not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of firm pressure; Any head injury, even if you feel fine; A sudden, severe headache, confusion, vision changes, or weakness on one side (possible bleeding in the brain); Black, sticky stools, or red blood in your stool or vomit; Pink, red, or brown urine; Coughing up blood; Very heavy periods, such as soaking a pad every hour; Many new bruises or a sudden spread of tiny red or purple spots on the skin; Fever, if you have had your spleen removed; Leg swelling with pain, or sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (possible blood clot); If it feels very bad, call 911.

ITP (low platelets)

ITP is an immune condition that lowers your platelets, and while it can last a long time in adults, many good treatments help prevent bleeding and let people live full lives.

Hi, I'm Rosa. Today we'll go through immune thrombocytopenia together, one step at a time. I'll keep it simple, and you can pause me, go back, or skip ahead whenever you like. Just so you know, this is for learning only. It is not medical advice, so please check everything with your own doctor and care team. Okay, let's get started.

What this condition is

Let's start with the basics. Platelets are tiny blood cells. They help your blood clot and stop bleeding. In this condition, your immune system attacks your own platelets by mistake. The spleen then removes them. So your platelet count gets low. This is not cancer, and it is not contagious. In children, it often goes away on its own. In adults, it more often lasts longer. Many adults have mild symptoms or none at all. The goal of treatment is to prevent serious bleeding.

Types and phases

Now let's talk briefly about the types and phases. Newly diagnosed means the first three months. Persistent means it lasts three to twelve months. Chronic means it lasts longer than a year. This is the most common pattern in adults. Primary means no other cause is found. Secondary means another condition is causing it. Treating that condition can help. It can also start or get worse in pregnancy. Your care team will tell you which type you have.

Tests you may have

Now let's talk about tests. A complete blood count counts your platelets and other blood cells. Usually only the platelets are low. A blood smear looks at your blood under a microscope. Sometimes platelets clump in the tube and only look low. A repeat test in a different tube can check this. Tests for some infections look for other causes. A breath or stool test checks for a stomach germ. Most people do not need a bone marrow biopsy. You can read more about each test in the guide.

How serious it is

Next up, let's talk about how serious it is. Doctors look mostly at bleeding, not just the platelet number. Two people with the same count can feel very different. Mild means no bleeding, or only some bruising. Moderate means things like nosebleeds or heavy periods. Severe means serious bleeding. That is an emergency. Doctors use this to decide if and when to treat. It also helps your team plan before any surgery. Ask your care team what is safe for you.

Lab tests to know

Before we move to treatment, there are some things to know. Your platelet count is the main number to follow. It can change from week to week. Your care team looks at the trend and your bleeding. Other lab tests check your red and white blood cells. Some check your liver while you take certain medicines. Each test has a different role. Your doctor will tell you what your results mean. You can read more in the guide. The Questions to ask page can help too.

Main treatments

Now let's talk about treatment. Many adults with mild cases and no bleeding are just watched. Steroids calm the immune system and are usually the first treatment. Immune globulin given through a vein raises platelets quickly. Some medicines tell your bone marrow to make more platelets. An antibody medicine can lower the cells that attack platelets. Surgery to remove the spleen works for many people. Newer pills can help when other treatments do not. Clinical trials are research studies that may offer new options. Ask your care team if one is right for you.

Side effects and what helps

Let's talk about side effects. Steroids can cause trouble sleeping, mood changes, and more hunger. Taking them in the morning with food can help. Immune globulin can cause headache and chills. Drinking fluids can help. Medicines that raise platelets can slightly raise the risk of clots. Do not stop them on your own. Without a spleen, some infections can get serious fast. Treat any fever as an emergency. We have a whole side effects guide on this site.

Living with this condition

Last, let's talk about daily life. Most people with this condition live full, active lives. Learn your usual platelet count. Ask before taking pain medicines, since some affect platelets. Avoid contact sports when your count is low. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor. Support groups can connect you with others. Call your care team right away for bleeding that will not stop. Call for any head injury, even if you feel fine. Call for a sudden severe headache or confusion. If it feels very bad, call 911. You can also visit our new Screening, prevention and survivorship section.

You did great today. Living with low platelets takes learning, and you are doing it. Bring your questions to your next visit. Call your care team any time you are worried. You are not alone, and help is always there.

Call your care team right away if you have

Bleeding that will not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of firm pressure
Any head injury, even if you feel fine
A sudden, severe headache, confusion, vision changes, or weakness on one side (possible bleeding in the brain)
Black, sticky stools, or red blood in your stool or vomit
Pink, red, or brown urine
Coughing up blood
Very heavy periods, such as soaking a pad every hour
Many new bruises or a sudden spread of tiny red or purple spots on the skin
Fever, if you have had your spleen removed
Leg swelling with pain, or sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (possible blood clot)
If it feels very bad, call 911.

Side effects: what helps

Sources

Quick answers

What is ITP (low platelets)?: ITP stands for immune thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia means a low number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are tiny blood cells that help your blood clot and stop bleeding. In ITP, your immune system makes antibodies by mistake that attack your own platelets. Antibodies are proteins that normally fight germs. The spleen, an organ on the upper left side of your belly, then removes these marked platelets. The immune system can also slow down how many platelets your bone marrow makes.
When should I call my care team?: Bleeding that will not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of firm pressure; Any head injury, even if you feel fine; A sudden, severe headache, confusion, vision changes, or weakness on one side (possible bleeding in the brain); Black, sticky stools, or red blood in your stool or vomit; Pink, red, or brown urine; Coughing up blood; Very heavy periods, such as soaking a pad every hour; Many new bruises or a sudden spread of tiny red or purple spots on the skin; Fever, if you have had your spleen removed; Leg swelling with pain, or sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (possible blood clot); If it feels very bad, call 911.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.