
Infection: A bacterial infection, especially the blood infection called sepsis, can reduce platelet count. Anemia: A type of anemia called aplastic anemia reduces the number of all kinds of blood cells, including platelets. Lymphoma and leukemia are common culprits. Cancer: Cancer that has spread to the bone marrow can harm the body’s ability to make new platelets. Medication: Drugs, such as aspirin, H2-blockers, quinidine, antibiotics containing sulfa, and some diuretics may lower platelet count. Viruses: Viruses such as mononucleosis, HIV, AIDS, measles, and hepatitis may deplete platelets. Splenectomy: Removal of the spleen can cause a temporary increase in platelets.Ĭommon causes of low platelet volume include:. Infections: Some infections, such as tuberculosis, can cause high platelets. A person will have other symptoms in most cases. Inflammatory disorders: Diseases that cause an inflammatory immune response, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can increase platelet count. Further blood testing can detect most forms of anemia. Anemia: People with iron deficiency or hemolytic anemia may have high platelets. Additional blood testing, imaging scans, or a biopsy can test for cancer. Cancer: Lung, stomach, breast, and ovarian cancers, as well as lymphoma, can cause high platelet counts. If a person’s platelet count remains high, chronic medical conditions may be responsible. intense physical activity or exertion, such as from running a marathon. recovering from excessive drinking or vitamin B12 deficiency. recovering from blood loss after surgery.
Some common reasons for high platelet levels include: A doctor may order a retest a few days or weeks later if this happens. Some temporary conditions can cause a higher than normal platelet count. These include acute and chronic medical conditions and age.
Several factors can cause a person’s platelet levels to change.