Is it important to find low platelet count during a cold physical examination?

Whether it is important to have low platelet count during a cold physical examination should be judged based on specific values and symptoms. Mild low platelet count may be related to cold virus infection and usually does not require special treatment; If the value significantly decreases or accompanied by bleeding symptoms, one should be alert to blood system diseases.

Viral infection is a common cause of temporary thrombocytopenia. During a cold, the body's immune response may suppress bone marrow hematopoietic function, leading to reduced or increased platelet production or destruction. This kind of decline is mostly mild, ranging from 100-150 × 10 ⁹/L, and can recover on its own within 1-2 weeks as the cold recovers. Some patients may experience mild nosebleeds or gum bleeding, but severe bleeding such as skin bruising and hematuria are rare. At this time, it is recommended to recheck the blood routine, avoid vigorous exercise to prevent trauma, and increase foods rich in iron and vitamin C such as lean meat and spinach in moderation to promote hematopoiesis. When the platelet count remains below 80 × 10 ⁹/L or rapidly decreases, pathological factors such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and aplastic anemia should be considered. This type of situation is often accompanied by spontaneous bleeding tendencies such as extensive bruising and patches on the skin and mucous membranes, and increased menstrual flow. Hematological disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome may present with both white blood cell and red blood cell abnormalities. Long term use of certain antibiotics or antiviral drugs may also cause drug-induced thrombocytopenia. Further examinations such as bone marrow puncture and platelet antibody testing need to be improved, and if necessary, recombinant human thrombopoietin injection or immunoglobulin treatment should be used. A platelet count below 30 × 10 ⁹/L is considered a critical value and requires immediate medical attention from a hematology department. Avoid bumps in daily life, use soft bristled toothbrushes, and avoid eating hard foods. It is recommended to have a follow-up examination 2 weeks after discovering platelet abnormalities during a cold. If the abnormalities persist or are accompanied by symptoms such as pale complexion and fatigue, timely blood system related examinations should be completed to rule out malignant diseases.