High Mpv: Causes And Implications
High mean platelet volume (MPV) with normal platelet count suggests platelet activation or production disorders. Primary thrombocythemia (ET) and essential thrombocythemia (ECT) are myeloproliferative neoplasms characterized by high MPV and platelet counts. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can also cause high MPV, indicating ineffective hematopoiesis. Other conditions, such as acquired von Willebrand disease and thrombocytopathy, may contribute to high MPV by altering platelet function or activation.
Discuss the various hematological conditions that lead to thrombocytopenia, including:
- Primary thrombocythemia (ET)
- Essential thrombocythemia (ECT)
- Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
- Polycythemia vera (PV)
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
- Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
- Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
- Polycythemia vera (PV)
Hematologic Culprits: When Your Blood’s a Thrombocytopenia Troublemaker
Hey there, blood enthusiasts! Let’s dive into the world of thrombocytopenia, where your blood’s platelet count takes a nosedive. And guess what? It’s not all rainbows and sunshine. Let’s get our magnifying glasses out and uncover the hematological suspects that can lead to this platelet party crasher.
1. Primary Thrombocythemia and Its Entourage
- Primary Thrombocythemia (ET): When your bone marrow goes into overdrive, producing an excessive number of platelets. It’s like a platelet factory gone wild!
- Essential Thrombocythemia (ECT): ET’s identical twin, but with a genetic twist. A gene mutation gives the thumbs-up for platelet production to skyrocket.
2. Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs): The Blood Bosses Gone Rogue
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A sneaky suspect that hijacks your bone marrow, favoring the production of immature platelets.
- Polycythemia Vera (PV): Another MPN culprit, causing your bone marrow to churn out not only platelets but also red blood cells in abundance. It’s like a blood production bonanza gone wrong!
3. Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): The Bone Marrow Blues
MDS is when your bone marrow has a tough time making healthy blood cells, including platelets. It’s like a blood cell manufacturing plant that’s struggling to keep up.
4. Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): The Immune System’s Betrayal
PNH is a rare condition where your immune system mistakenly targets and destroys your red blood cells and platelets. It’s like an immune system that’s lost its compass!
5. Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): The Clot-Forming Culprit
TTP is a serious condition where antibodies target a protein that helps prevent blood clots. This leads to uncontrolled clot formation, which can also affect platelets. It’s like a blood clotting storm!
6. Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): The Immune System’s Platelet Panic
ITP arises when your immune system mistakenly identifies platelets as the enemy. It’s like your immune system is a trigger-happy cop, shooting at innocent platelets!
Thrombocytopenia: When Platelets Go AWOL
Yo, check it out! Thrombocytopenia is a super important topic that we’re diving into today. It’s when your body is like, “Nah, I’m not making enough platelets.” And guess what? Platelets are the superheroes that help your blood clot.
One of the main causes of this platelet shortage is Primary Thrombocythemia (ET). Now, ET is the OG of platelet disorders. It’s like a bad habit that your bone marrow gets into, where it’s always pumping out too many platelets. It’s like that friend who’s always the life of the party, but at some point, it’s just too much.
ET can be a real pain because too many platelets can cause blood clots. And blood clots, they’re like surprise guests at your party that you really don’t want there. They can cause headaches, strokes, and heart attacks. So, ET is like a sneaky little villain that you gotta keep an eye on.
Now, diagnosing ET is like solving a puzzle. Your doc will do a blood test to check your platelet count and Megakaryocytes, which are the cells that make platelets. They’ll also ask you about your symptoms and any other medical history you have.
Treatment for ET depends on how much of a party pooper it’s being. If it’s not causing too much trouble, you might just need to take some aspirin or other blood thinners to prevent blood clots. But if it’s like the Hulk on a rampage, then your doc might have to use chemotherapy or other meds to reduce the number of platelets.
Remember, ET is like a detective novel. It’s not always easy to diagnose, but with the right clues, you can get to the bottom of it and keep your platelets in check. Stay tuned for more thrombocytopenia mysteries!
Thrombocytopenia: Not Just a Blood Count, It’s a Clue to What’s Really Going On
Hey there, clot-curious folks! Thrombocytopenia, a fancy word for low platelets, is more than just a number on a blood test. It’s a tale of tangled blood threads and hidden mysteries that could lead to some serious health adventures.
Chapter 1: Blood Cells Gone Wild
Our blood is a bustling city, and platelets are the tiny taxis zipping around, stopping bleeding and keeping us safe. But when these taxis are in short supply, we’re in trouble. That’s thrombocytopenia.
Hematological Suspects
The usual suspects for thrombocytopenia are hematological entities, like ninjas hiding in the blood. Essential thrombocythemia (ECT) is a case of too many platelets running wild, while myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of bone marrow bullies that mess up blood production. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) are crafty blood destroyers that can sneak past our defenses.
Chapter 2: Other Shady Characters
But not every culprit is a blood-based baddie. Acquired von Willebrand disease is a sneaky trickster that makes platelets lose their sticky powers. Thrombocytopathy is a condition where platelets are just plain clueless, and platelet activation disorders make them too slow to react. These guys can all contribute to the platelet shortage.
What’s the Big Deal?
Low platelets can lead to a nasty habit called easy bruising and excessive bleeding. It’s like a game of Russian roulette with your body, and no one likes those odds.
Don’t Panic, It’s Just a Clue
But hold your horses, folks! Thrombocytopenia is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s a warning sign from your body, like a flashing neon sign saying, “Hey, something’s not right!” By uncovering the underlying cause, we can get to the root of the problem and start the healing adventure.
Meet the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: The Trio Causing Thrombocytopenia
Hey there, blood detectives! Today, we’re diving into the wacky world of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). These sneaky critters can mess with your platelets, leaving you with a shortage known as thrombocytopenia. Let’s meet the main suspects responsible for this blood mystery!
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: The Bone Marrow Bully
Picture this: a bunch of immature blood cells, known as blasts, taking over your bone marrow like rowdy teenagers at a slumber party. That’s chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) for you. It’s like a wild party that keeps going on and on, messing with the production and maturation of other blood cells, including platelets.
Polycythemia Vera: The Red Blood Cell Overachievers
Meet polycythemia vera (PV), the overachievers of the red blood cell world. These guys go into overdrive, producing far too many red blood cells. It’s like a packed highway with no room to breathe, leading to sluggish blood flow and a shortage of all-important platelets.
Thrombocytopenia: Exploring Its Hematological Roots
Hey there, my curious friend! Let’s jump into the fascinating world of hematology and unravel the mystery of thrombocytopenia. It’s like a detective story, but with blood cells as our suspects.
1. Hematological Suspects
One of the prime suspects in our thrombocytopenia case is a group of sneaky conditions called hematological entities. These sly characters can wreak havoc on our platelet counts, leading to a shortage of these tiny blood cells that help us clot.
Let’s meet the lineup:
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Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs): These troublemakers are a family of blood cancers that cause an overproduction of blood cells, including platelets. They include the notorious CML, PV, and ET.
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Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): These sneaky suspects disrupt the production of blood cells, often leading to thrombocytopenia.
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Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): This rare condition attacks red blood cells, but it can also affect platelets, causing them to break down prematurely.
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Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): The immune system gets a little overzealous in ITP and mistakenly attacks platelets, leading to their destruction.
2. Not Your Average Suspects
But wait, there’s more! Not all thrombocytopenia suspects are strictly hematological. Some other sneaky characters can also play a role:
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Acquired von Willebrand Disease: This sneaky suspect impairs our ability to form clots, which can lead to thrombocytopenia.
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Thrombocytopathy: Here, the platelets themselves are to blame. They’re either not sticky enough or have other issues that prevent them from forming clots.
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Platelet Activation Disorders: These conditions affect the ability of platelets to respond to signals, reducing their effectiveness in clotting.
Polycythemia vera (PV)
Thrombocytopenia: When Your Blood’s Platelet Party Falls Flat
Hey there, platelet enthusiasts! Buckle up for a thrilling ride into the world of thrombocytopenia, where your blood’s platelet population takes a nosedive.
Thrombocytopenia strikes when your body doesn’t have enough of these tiny, blood-clotting champions. And guess what? It’s like a party where too many guests RSVP’d “no thanks.” When you’re low on platelets, it can lead to some pesky bleeding and bruising.
Now, let’s meet the usual suspects behind this platelet shortage. Hematological conditions like Primary thrombocythemia (ET) and its cousin Essential thrombocythemia (ECT) are the cool kids who produce too many platelets. Then there are the “big guns,” Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) like Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Polycythemia vera (PV), which can also mess with platelet production.
PV? Think of it as the ultimate platelet party! This condition cranks out a ridiculous number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and of course, our beloved platelets.
Other Sneaky Culprits
But wait, there’s more! Non-hematological conditions can also crash the platelet party. Acquired von Willebrand disease is a tricky one, making it harder for platelets to stick together. And thrombocytopathy and platelet activation disorders are like the partygoers who just don’t want to play nice.
How to Spot Trouble
Keep an eye out for these signs: easy bruising, excessive bleeding from cuts or nosebleeds, and a lower platelet count on your blood test. If you suspect something’s amiss, don’t hesitate to pay your doctor a visit.
The Bottom Line
Thrombocytopenia is like a party with a guest list gone wrong. But don’t worry, there are treatments to help boost your platelet levels and keep that clotting party going strong. Just make sure to chat with your healthcare squad if you’re suspecting something’s up.
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
Understand Thrombocytopenia: Beyond Blood Cells
Hey there, blood enthusiasts! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of thrombocytopenia, a condition where your body’s platelet count takes a tumble. But hold your horses, because platelets aren’t just any blood cells; they’re the tiny heroes responsible for stopping the bleed.
1. Hematological Heavyweights
The hematological world is teeming with conditions that can send your platelet count crashing down. Meet Primary Thrombocythemia (ET), the sneaky cousin of Essential Thrombocythemia (ECT), where your bone marrow goes into overdrive, churning out too many platelets.
And don’t forget the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) – the big guns of hematological mischief. These include the notorious Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), where your white blood cells multiply like rabbits, and Polycythemia Vera (PV), the condition that makes your red blood cells swell up.
2. Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
Now, let’s talk about Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) – a group of sneaky blood disorders that can mess with your platelet production. MDS is like a mischievous gremlin in your bone marrow, wreaking havoc on your blood cell factories.
The main culprit in MDS is ineffective hematopoiesis, meaning your bone marrow isn’t doing its job properly. It’s like trying to bake a cake with half-baked flour – you’re not going to get a perfect result. As a result, your body struggles to produce healthy platelets, leaving you with a deficiency.
So, there you have it, a whirlwind tour of the hematological and non-hematological conditions that can cause thrombocytopenia. Remember, this is just a broad overview, and each condition deserves its own chapter in the great medical encyclopedia. If you’re experiencing symptoms like easy bruising or bleeding, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. They’re the ones with the secret decoder rings to solve the mystery of your low platelet count.
Thrombocytopenia: A Case of the Missing Platelets
Hey there, blood detectives! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of thrombocytopenia, where platelets go missing, leaving our blood with a detective shortage.
Hematological Hide-and-Seek
First up, let’s meet the hematological suspects:
- Primary Thrombocythemia (ET): The platelet factory goes haywire, cranking out too many platelets.
- Essential Thrombocythemia (ECT): A sneaky imposter that makes platelets look normal but behave like rebels.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): An unwelcome guest that hijacks the bone marrow, making a mess of platelet production.
- Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): The dark side of platelets, where they’re secretly destroyed by the immune system at night.
- Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): The immune system becomes a platelet’s worst nightmare, attacking them like a pack of wolves.
Other Not-So-Hematological Suspects
But wait, there’s more! Some sneaky non-hematological players can also cause platelet mayhem:
- Acquired von Willebrand Disease: A sticky situation where platelets have trouble sticking together.
- Thrombocytopathy: When platelets are just plain dysfunctional.
- Platelet Activation Disorders: Like a car that won’t start, platelets can’t activate to do their job.
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): The Nighttime Platelet Hunter
Let’s shine a spotlight on PNH, the undercover operative that takes platelets out at night. It’s a rare and serious condition where red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are all under attack by the immune system’s dark side.
At night, when the moon casts its spell, the immune system goes rogue. Proteins called complement gather on the surface of blood cells, forming a deadly embrace that leads to their ultimate demise. Platelets are particularly vulnerable to this nocturnal assault, leaving patients with a shortage of these vital blood components.
If you’re starting to feel a little woozy from all this platelet talk, don’t worry. We’ve got your back (and your blood!). Stay tuned for our next installment, where we’ll uncover the diagnosis and treatment options for thrombocytopenia.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): The Tale of a Tricky Blood Disorder
If you feel like your blood’s been acting up lately, you might want to keep reading. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but serious condition that can lead to thrombocytopenia, a fancy word for a low platelet count.
Imagine your platelets as tiny soldiers guarding your blood vessels. When a blood vessel gets injured, these soldiers rush to the scene and form clots to stop the bleeding. But in TTP, something goes wrong. It’s like the soldiers have been given the wrong instructions and start attacking their own vessels. This leads to the formation of tiny clots in the small blood vessels of your brain, heart, and kidneys.
What’s the Culprit?
The main suspect in TTP is an antibody called ADAMTS13. This antibody is supposed to break down a protein called von Willebrand factor (vWF), which helps platelets stick together to form clots. But in TTP, the body either doesn’t make enough ADAMTS13 or the antibodies are defective, allowing vWF to build up and cause those pesky clots.
Symptoms That Ring the Alarm
TTP can be sneaky, but here are some signs to watch out for:
- Sudden onset of fatigue and weakness
- Bruising or bleeding easily
- Confusion or trouble speaking
- Nausea or vomiting
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
Treatment: A Race Against Time
If you suspect TTP, don’t wait. Time is of the essence. Treatment involves:
- Plasma Exchange: Replacing your blood plasma with healthy donor plasma to remove the antibodies and vWF.
- Rituximab: A medication that targets and destroys the antibody-producing cells.
Recovery and Prevention
With prompt treatment, most people with TTP make a full recovery. But because the disorder can recur, regular follow-up appointments are crucial. As for prevention, there’s no surefire way, but if you’ve had TTP before, certain infections or medications may trigger a relapse.
So, if you’re feeling a little platelet deficient, don’t hesitate to see your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in this clottingly challenging condition.
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Hematological Entities Leading to Thrombocytopenia
Let’s dive into the world of blood cells and uncover the conditions that can mess with our platelets, leading to a condition called thrombocytopenia. Hold on, it’s going to be a wild ride through the hematological landscape!
1. Primary Thrombocythemia (ET) and Essential Thrombocythemia (ECT)
These are like siblings in the platelet world. ET makes your bone marrow pump out too many platelets, while ECT is the cool kid that boosts both platelet production and white blood cell counts.
2. Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs)
Think of these as the “bad guys” of the blood cell world. They’re a group of cancers that affect bone marrow cells, messing with platelet production. Some famous faces include:
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): Like a blood cell dictatorship, CML takes over your bone marrow.
- Polycythemia vera (PV): A rare condition that makes your blood thick with too many red blood cells and platelets.
3. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
These are like the “confused” blood cells. MDS disrupts the normal growth and development of blood cells, leading to a shortage of platelets.
4. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)
PNH is a rare blood disorder that attacks your red blood cells and platelets, leaving you with fewer of these blood buddies.
5. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
TTP is a sneaky villain that damages blood vessels, causing tiny blood clots and a drop in platelets.
6. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Let’s put on our superhero capes for this one. ITP is an autoimmune disorder where your body’s immune system goes haywire and attacks its own platelets. Imagine your immune cells as overprotective bouncers at a club, kicking out innocent platelets instead of the real troublemakers.
Explore conditions that are not directly hematological but can contribute to thrombocytopenia:
- Acquired von Willebrand disease
- Thrombocytopathy
- Platelet activation disorders
Other Non-Hematological Contributors to Thrombocytopenia
Hey there, folks! Let’s explore some non-hematological conditions that can sneakily contribute to thrombocytopenia, messing with your platelet party.
1. Acquired von Willebrand Disease
Imagine your platelets as tiny cars, and von Willebrand factor (VWF) as their highway. In acquired von Willebrand disease, something goes wrong with VWF, making it hard for platelets to stick to the highway. It’s like having a traffic jam, but instead of cars, it’s platelets piling up and not getting where they need to go.
2. Thrombocytopathy
Okay, so you have a highway and plenty of cars (platelets), but guess what? The cars themselves are busted! Thrombocytopathy means that platelets aren’t functioning properly. They’re like old, rusty cars that can’t brake or accelerate. They just putter along, unable to help out much.
3. Platelet Activation Disorders
This one is a bit trickier. Think of platelets as soldiers who are supposed to spring into action when needed. Platelet activation disorders are like giving the soldiers faulty weapons or sending them out without any training. They’re there, but they’re not ready for the fight.
Acquired von Willebrand disease
Thrombocytopenia: Uncovering the Hidden Causes
Hey there, blood detectives! Let’s dive into the mysterious world of thrombocytopenia, where platelets play hide-and-seek. When the platelet count drops, it’s like losing your army of tiny soldiers defending against bleeding. But the culprits aren’t always obvious. Let’s explore the secret lair of hematological entities and some unexpected troublemakers.
Hemat-Ology’s Dirty Dozen
- Primary Thrombocythemia (ET): When the bone marrow goes on a platelet frenzy, pumping out an excessive army.
- Essential Thrombocythemia (ECT): ET’s wilder sibling, with platelets multiplying like rabbits.
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs): A group of blood disorders with overzealous bone marrow, including:
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): A rebel army of white blood cells wreaking havoc.
- Polycythemia vera (PV): Too many red blood cells, like a traffic jam in your veins.
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): Bone marrow gets confused, producing ineffective platelets and other blood cells.
- Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): A rare disorder where your immune system targets your own red blood cells.
- Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): A sinister duo of decreased platelets and blood clots.
- Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): When your immune system turns against platelets, mistaking them for enemies.
Beyond the Bloodhounds
But it’s not all about hematology! Other sneaky suspects can also lead to thrombocytopenia:
- Acquired von Willebrand Disease: A condition where a key protein in your blood decides to take a vacation, leading to bleeding problems.
- Thrombocytopathy: Platelets have a communication breakdown, making them less effective at stopping bleeding.
- Platelet Activation Disorders: Platelets get too excited or too lazy, affecting their ability to clot.
Thrombocytopenia: A Complex Dance of Causes
Hematological Entities in the Spotlight
When it comes to thrombocytopenia, the spotlight shines on hematological conditions that disrupt the delicate balance of platelets in our blood. These conditions include primary and essential thrombocythemia, as well as nasty myeloproliferative neoplasms like chronic myeloid leukemia and polycythemia vera. Not to be outdone, myelodysplastic syndromes, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and immune thrombocytopenia also crash the party, leaving platelets in their wake.
Beyond Hematology: Other Players Involved
But hold on tight, folks! There are other entities that can also play a role in this thrombocytopenia drama. They’re not directly related to hematology, but they can certainly throw a monkey wrench into the mix. Meet acquired von Willebrand disease, thrombocytopathy, and platelet activation disorders—they’re like the sneaky villains lurking in the shadows, waiting to sabotage platelet function.
Thrombocytopathy: A Platelet Party Gone Wrong
Let’s zoom in on thrombocytopathy, shall we? It’s like a dance party for platelets, but it’s gone horribly wrong. Instead of grooving smoothly together, the platelets have two left feet and stumble around like awkward disco queens. It’s not their fault, though. Their shape, size, or even electrical charge is messed up, so they can’t dance properly.
This disco disaster can be caused by a genetic mutation or an underlying condition like uremia, an unwelcome guest that damages the platelets and leaves them with a disco-ball-sized headache. So, if your platelets are throwing a rave and you’re not invited, it might be time to check in with your doctor. Thrombocytopathy can be a sign of a deeper issue, so don’t let your platelets dance the night away without some supervision!
Thrombocytopenia: When Your Platelets Play Hide-and-Seek
Thrombocytopenia is like a mysterious game of hide-and-seek, where your platelets are the sneaky kids hiding from the rest of your body. Platelets are tiny blood cells that help stop bleeding, so when they go missing, it can cause some serious issues.
Blood Cell Troublemakers
- Primary thrombocythemia (ET) and essential thrombocythemia (ECT): These conditions are like overzealous parents, pushing out too many platelets.
- Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and polycythemia vera (PV): These are blood cell party crashers that can disrupt platelet production.
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): Think of these as blood cell rebels, causing all kinds of platelet problems.
- Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP): These are rare and sneaky conditions that destroy or use up platelets.
- Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): This is kind of like a mistaken identity case, where your immune system attacks and destroys platelets.
Other Platelet Shenanigans
Sometimes, even if your blood cell factory is working fine, you might still have trouble with your platelets.
- Acquired von Willebrand disease: This condition interferes with the glue that helps platelets stick together.
- Thrombocytopathy: These are platelet duds that don’t work properly, even though they look the part.
- Platelet activation disorders: These disorders mess with the signals that tell platelets when to get active and stop bleeding.
Platelet Activation Disorders: The Troublemakers You Can’t See
Platelet activation disorders are like invisible gremlins, messing with the signals that tell platelets to do their job. They can cause platelets to become too active, not active enough, or even act erratically.
These disorders can be caused by a variety of things, including:
- Medications
- Infections
- Autoimmune diseases
- Genetic mutations
If you think you might have thrombocytopenia or any of the underlying conditions, don’t hesitate to see your doctor. They can help you figure out what’s going on and get you the treatment you need.