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What Is Pernicious Anemia?
Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disorder in which the body cannot absorb vitamin B12. It occurs when the body is unable to absorb sufficient vitamin B12 from the digestive tract due to a shortage of intrinsic factors, a protein required for B12 absorption. Without enough vitamin B12, fewer red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body.
This condition can cause damage to multiple biological systems, including:
Your body typically stores vitamin B12 obtained from food and uses it gradually over time. It can take three to five years for your body to deplete its vitamin B12 reserves. After that, it may take several more years before you develop symptoms of pernicious anemia.
What are the Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia?
The severity of your symptoms will increase the longer you have been deficient in vitamin B12. Some of the symptoms of pernicious anemia include:
- Swollen, red tongue and bleeding gums
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Lightheadedness when standing up or exerting oneself
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Optic nerve degeneration damaging your vision
- Hallucinations
- Irritability
- Delusions
- Loss of balance
- Short-term memory loss
- Depression
How is Pernicious Anemia Diagnosed?
A healthcare practitioner conducts a thorough physical examination and medical history review to determine if other illnesses increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. They may also check for nervous system disorders. Other tests for pernicious anemia diagnosis include:
- Vitamin B12 levels
- Complete blood count
- Reticulocyte count
- LDH test
- Serum bilirubin
- MMA (Methylmalonic acid)
- Homocysteine levels
- Antibodies that attack the stomach's parietal cells and prevent intrinsic factor function may also be tested
- An endoscopy to examine for symptoms of degeneration
Management and Treatment of Pernicious Anemia
Due to the obstruction of vitamin B12 absorption, your healthcare professional may recommend:
- Intramuscular injections of vitamin B12
- Antibiotics if bacteria in your intestine hinder vitamin B12 absorption
- High doses of oral B12 supplementation once B12 levels have returned to normal
Patients with pernicious anemia require regular checks of vitamin B12 levels, including blood tests, to ensure proper dosage. Lifestyle changes include consuming foods high in vitamin B12, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Due to poor absorption, oral supplementation or injections are typically required.
Difference Between Megaloblastic Anemia and Pernicious Anemia
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Megaloblastic Anemia |
Pernicious Anemia |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Anaemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in red blood cell or haemoglobin levels, resulting in reduced oxygen-carrying ability, unlike hyperchromic conditions, which increase haemoglobin concentration in red blood cells.
Anaemia, when left untreated, can strain the heart by reducing blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, increasing the risk of heart issues like a heart attack or heart failure.
Yes, anemia, caused by decreased haemoglobin levels, may cause dizziness in some people. This is because it reduces oxygen delivery to the blood.
High eosinophil counts are often linked to allergic reactions, parasite infections, leukaemia, and other inflammatory or allergic disorders, not always resulting from anemia.
Anemia is not a direct cause of migraines, but some individuals may experience headaches or migraines due to reduced brain oxygen supply.
Linezolid, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, may cause anemia due to bone marrow suppression, resulting in decreased red blood cell production.
Pernicious anemia is primarily treated with vitamin B12 supplementation, often administered intramuscularly to prevent digestive tract absorption issues.
Anemia can be a symptom of certain types of cancer, particularly those that impair the bone marrow's ability to create red blood cells. However, anemia can be caused by a variety of reasons, so it is not limited to cancer.
Anemia does not induce boils. In most cases, boils are caused by bacterial infections of the skin's hair follicles or oil glands.
Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, can lead to anemia by disrupting the absorption of essential minerals like iron and vitamin B12.
Anemia does not directly cause enlarged lymph nodes, as they are usually symptoms of an underlying infection, inflammation, or malignancy. However, if anemia is caused by an underlying illness affecting lymph nodes, swollen lymph nodes may occur.
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