Living with ITP

Although there may be some restrictions, generally people with ITP are able to live a full life. Some of the areas for special care and consideration are outlined below. 

Activities

Most experts advise restricting contact and some competitive team sports at platelet counts of 30,000/mm3 – 50,000/mm3 or lower. This is to minimize the risk of internal injury and bleeding. However, most other sports and activities are considered to be fine. In general, it is important to engage in normal activity. Please ask your doctor for more specific guidelines.1,2 

Gathering information and knowing what to expect can help you make good choices for your life and health. In this section, you'll find important tips on living with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), including topics to discuss with your doctor, how to stay active, and what to do when you're faced with special medical situations.  

Medications

Please check with your doctor before starting any medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen.3 

Dental and Medical Procedures

Because of risks associated with ITP, you should make other medical professionals aware of your ITP. If you plan to have dental work done, contact your physician first. 1,2 

Medical Care

People with ITP are usually treated by hematologists- doctors specializing in the treatment of blood diseases and disorders. Because of the risks associated with ITP, other medical professionals should be made aware of it. This would include the dentist, hospital staff, or any other specialists who may give treatment. Caregivers and school personnel should also be notified. The risk of excessive bleeding and bruising and internal bleeding, though rare, make communication very important. 1,2 

  1. Children's Hospital of Boston website. ITP Kids.org. Available at http://www.itpkids.org/content/itp_sports.html.  Accessed June 25, 2007.  
  2. Hematological Diseases Information Service, A Service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH. Available at http://www.hematologic.niddk.nih.gov. Accessed June 25, 2007.  
  3. Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters Health System. Available at www.chkd.org. Accessed June 25, 2007.