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By: by Amino Science
Anemia is a common condition in which one does not have enough red blood cells or has blood cells that do not function properly. The result is a lack of oxygen flow to the body’s organs and tissues. There are many causes of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and sickle cell anemia. The most common cause of anemia is the body’s inability to absorb vitamin B12, which is necessary to produce healthy red blood cells. This type of anemia is often referred to as megaloblastic anemia because the red blood cells that are produced are much larger than normal. Pernicious anemia is a kind of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
With the word pernicious in its name, pernicious anemia can sound like a frightening diagnosis. The word pernicious, meaning fatal, was used to describe this particular condition when it was first discovered and thought to be a deadly disease. This was before vitamin B12 treatments were available. However, science and medicine have come a long way, and today pernicious anemia is relatively easy to manage.
The stomach contains cells called parietal cells that produce a protein called intrinsic factor as well as hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid works by helping B12 release from food, while intrinsic factor works by absorbing B12. If the parietal cells, intrinsic factor, or hydrochloric acid are not working properly, or there is a lack of intrinsic factor, then a person is at risk of developing anemia.
Pernicious anemia is a type of autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system mistakes normal, healthy cells for dangerous substances such as bacteria and viruses and works to eradicate them. In pernicious anemia, the immune system thinks that the parietal cells or the intrinsic factor protein are foreign invaders, so it attacks and destroys them. The result is fewer cells and proteins to be used in the absorption of vitamin B12. The body’s inability to absorb vitamin B12 due to its mistakenly attacking itself is the condition called pernicious anemia.
The Pernicious Anemia Society highlights three key points when it comes to pernicious anemia symptoms:
Common pernicious anemia symptoms include:
A lack of vitamin B12 may cause the following:
Low levels of B12 may also cause nervous system dysfunction that manifests as...
According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, symptoms of pernicious anemia in adults typically do not begin to show until after age 30. The Pernicious Anemia Society notes that while there are several known symptoms of pernicious anemia, the disease affects each patient individually. Symptoms may be present that are not included in their list of possible symptoms.
Some people are at a higher risk of developing pernicious anemia than others. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, those at a higher risk for pernicious anemia are those who:
Getting a pernicious anemia diagnosis can be a difficult and lengthy process since the disease may mimic other diseases. Usually, pernicious anemia can be diagnosed through a series of blood tests. Common diagnostic tests include:
Pernicious anemia is fairly easy to treat. B12 supplements, either in pill or injectable form, are typically prescribed to raise vitamin B12 levels. If a patient has a severe case, then B12 shots are generally given daily or weekly until the patient’s levels of B12 have increased. Regular blood tests will be given to monitor the level of B12 in the blood. Once the level of B12 has returned to a healthy amount, the patient may reduce the B12 injections to once a month and continue to be monitored through blood work. If the case is less severe, then doctors typically prescribe B12 in pill form and monitor blood work to make sure the levels increase to a healthy amount.
Those being treated for pernicious anemia often find relief shortly after beginning B12 supplements. Many patients see symptoms improve after just a few days of receiving treatment. Patients’ blood work will continue to be monitored to ensure they are receiving an adequate amount of B12. Pernicious anemia patients often stay on B12 supplements for life.
Pernicious anemia complications are usually pretty rare. But complications are possible, so it’s important to be aware of what they are and their symptoms.
Pernicious anemia can be difficult to identify, especially since symptoms often appear gradually over a long period. It can be easy to dismiss symptoms as just feeling tired or too much stress. But any unusual symptoms should be discussed with a physician to ensure a timely diagnosis. Like with most diseases, the sooner treatment begins for pernicious anemia, the better the outlook.
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Anemia is the most common blood disorder in the U.S., and it affects 3 million Americans. This condition develops when there is a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin and cells do not get enough oxygen. Learn all about anemia: the types, symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that develops when the body does not have enough iron. Iron deficiency can be mild and go unnoticed for a while, but symptoms may intensify as the body becomes more deficient and lead to health problems.
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