Where people with ITP, healthcare professionals, and caregivers get and give advice.
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If you suffer from frequent nosebleeds, running a humidifier and using saline (salt) nasal sprays to moisten the nasal lining can help reduce the frequency.
Samuel M. Silver, MD, PhD
Castle Connolly Top Doctor; Assistant Dean for Research, Professor of Internal Medicine/Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School Healthcare provider for ITP Male
4
Exercise is essential, but you need to be very aware of the risks associated with falling or getting injured. I advise working with a physical therapist or occupatio ... read more
Ginger Hultin, RD
ChampagneNutrition, Seattle; Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Healthcare provider for ITP Female
3
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Do you try to cover up bruises and petechiae from ITP? Help others do the same by sharing your go-to tips.
Eat a Mediterranean diet, meaning mostly fruits and vegetables and lean protein like chicken and fish. Limit the amount of pork, red meat, and processed foods you ea ... read more
Wendy Ellis, ND
Seattle-based practitioner Healthcare provider for ITP Female
2
Most forms of physical activity are safe for the majority of people who have ITP. You just need to be more deliberate about how you’re participating in your sport. F ... read more
Claudia Tellez, MD
Hematologist and oncologist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago Healthcare provider for ITP
3
Other people around you really need to know about your ITP, especially when it comes to emergency situations when you can’t speak for yourself. Your friends should k ... read more
Claudia Tellez, MD
Hematologist and oncologist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago Healthcare provider for ITP
6
If you have a bleeding disorder, don’t take over-the-counter medication like aspirin or NSAIDs (like Motrin) because they can inhibit platelet function and make blee ... read more
Samuel M. Silver, MD, PhD
Castle Connolly Top Doctor; Assistant Dean for Research, Professor of Internal Medicine/Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School Healthcare provider for ITP Male
3
See an oncologist regularly.
Living with ITP Age: 39 Male More than 5 years
3
Fast Fact
ITP is relatively rare, affecting an estimated 9.5 out of every 100,000 adults in the U.S.
National Organization for Rare Disorders
<p>ITP is relatively rare, affecting an estimated 9.5 out of every 100,000 adults in the U.S. </p>Fatigue is part of ITP, especially when your platelets are low. Some days you just won't have the energy to do a lot, and that is okay!
RareCandace
Living with ITP Age: 34 Female More than 5 years
4
Use a platelet tracker to keep track of your platelet counts.
Living with ITP Age: 45
5
When you’re cooking or preparing food, take your time, move slowly, be aware when you have sharp utensils in your hands. Think about what sorts of things you can do ... read more
Claudia Tellez, MD
Hematologist and oncologist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago Healthcare provider for ITP
3
Enjoy life and think less of your illness.
Rosel
Living with ITP Age: 18 Female More than 5 years
3
Be patient with your body! With any autoimmune disease flares can happen any time the immune system is stimulated -- even something like a flu shot can aggravate the ... read more
Jenny Bennett, ND
Aria Integrative in Seattle; www.ariaintegrative.com Healthcare provider for ITP Female
3
Try to plan the day in advance and have moments for rest scheduled
Sue
Care Partner for ITP Age: 32 Female
0
Inflammation can be quite damaging in the context of a wound. A lot of swelling and redness comes from inflammation, and an ice pack can slow that down or prevent it ... read more
Claudia Tellez, MD
Hematologist and oncologist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago Healthcare provider for ITP
2
Be consistent
Paul
Healthcare provider for ITP Age: 55 Male
2
I’m a huge fan of educating yourself to really understand what’s going on. I think it makes you more susceptible to complications if you don’t have awareness of what ... read more
Claudia Tellez, MD
Hematologist and oncologist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago Healthcare provider for ITP
4
Fast Fact
ITP can be chronic or acute, but adults are more likely to develop the chronic type.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
<p>ITP can be chronic or acute, but adults are more likely to develop the chronic type.</p>Having a good foundation of wellness and nutrition and managing stress is essential for anyone who has an autoimmune disease like ITP because all lifestyle issues im ... read more
Wendy Ellis, ND
Seattle-based practitioner Healthcare provider for ITP Female
3
If you’re constantly anxious, your immune system is not going to be working at its best. And we want the immune system to be as calm and regulated as it can be, beca ... read more
Claudia Tellez, MD
Hematologist and oncologist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago Healthcare provider for ITP
3
Poll
Does food help you manage ITP?
If you have ITP, carry a medical alert card in your wallet that says what you have and whom to contact in case of emergency. If you're not someone who has a wallet w ... read more
Terry B. Gernsheimer, MD
Hematologist and professor of medicine and hematology at UW Medicine in Seattle Healthcare provider for ITP
3