<|im_start|>user
What is a thrombocytopenia and is it dangerous ?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
Thrombocytopenia is the medical term for having a low blood platelet count.  It has many potential causes, including immune disorders, leukemia, or as a reaction to medication.  It can be serious, depending on the afflicted individual's actual platelet count.  A mildly low count would slightly increase the time a person would bleed before clotting would occur to stop the bleeding.  On the other hand, a very low platelet count could lead to a dangerous and difficult to control loss of blood.  An afflicted individual could also more easily break a blood vessel internally, from a blunt trauma for example, and loose a significant amount of blood internally, causing a hematoma.  The hematoma may require being surgically drained, in order to not result in complications or further tissue damage.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Describe some treatment option for this condition and if it is possible to cure it.  Make sure to talk about how diet and exercise may or may not impact this condition.  Are there any hereditary factors at play here and can this condition be passed on to future generations?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
Treatment for thrombocytopenia depends on its cause and how severe it is. If your thrombocytopenia is caused by an underlying condition or a medication, addressing that cause might cure it. Severe thrombocytopenia can be treated using medication, blood/platelet transfusion or splenectomy depending on the underlying cause. Some medications that may be prescribed include corticosteroids like Prednisone to slow down platelet destruction and Rituximab for immunoglobulin therapy to suppress the immune system in case of autoimmune disorders.

There are some self-care measures that can be taken such as avoiding blood thinners like aspirin and ibuprofen, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding contact sports, using a soft brush to avoid gum bleeding and eating foods rich in vitamin A and vitamin K.

Thrombocytopenia can be inherited or acquired. “Inherited” means your parents pass the gene for the condition to you. “Acquired” means you are not born with the condition, but you develop it later.<|im_end|>
